Process for the production of 6-difluoro methyl hydrocortisone and intermediates obtaned therefrom



United States Patent PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF 6-DIFLUORO METHYL HYDROCORTISONE AND INTERME- DIATES OBTAINED THEREFROM David G. Martin, Parchment, and John E. Pike, Kalamazoo Township, Kalamazoo County, Mich., assignors to The Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, Mich., a corporation of Delaware No Drawing. Filed Jan. 4, 1961, Ser. No. 80,523

- 3 Claims. (Cl. 260-23955) This invention relates to certain novel steroids, more particularly to fia-difluoromethyl-llp,l7a,2l-trihydroxy- 4-pregnene-3,20-dione, 6oz difluoromethyl 170:,21 dihy- 17 (1,2 l-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione, Gar-difluoromethyl 1711,21 dihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene 3,11,20- -trione, 6-difluoromethyl 11,8,170:,2l-trihydroxy-4,6-pregdroxy-4-pregnene 3,11,20 trione, 6a-difluoromethyl-1lfi,

nadiene-3,20-dione, 6-difluoromethyl 1701,21 dihydroxyv 4,6-pregnadiene-3,11,20-trione, G-difluoromethyl 11fl,17o;,

21-trihydroxy 1,4,6 pregnatriene-3,20-dione, 6-difluoromethyl 17a,21-dihydroxy 1,4,6 pregnatriene 3,11,20- trione, the 9a-halo, especially the 9a-fluoro, compounds corresponding otherwise thereto, 21-esters of each, the corresponding 2l-fluoro and 21-desoxy compounds in- 1 to 12 carbon atoms, inclusive; R is an organic '(alkyl or aryl) radical containing up to and including 10 carbon atoms; R and R" are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a lower-alkyl radical, a monocyclic aromatic radical, a monocyclic aromatic. lower-alkyl radical, amonocyclic heterocyclic radical, and a monocyclic heterocyclic lower-alkyl radical; R and R" when taken together are alkylene; W is selected from the group consisting of the carbonyl radical C-=O) and the fl-hydroxymethylene radical X is selected from the group consistingof hydrogen, hydroxy, acyloxy and fluorine; Y is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl; Y in Formulae I to XII is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a-methyl, and p-methyl; Y in Formulae XII to XXXI is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a-methyl, ,B-methyl, and a-hydroxy; Z is a halogen having an atomic weight from 35 to 127, inclusive, i.e., chlorine, bromine or iodine; Z is a halogen having an atomic weight from 19 to 127, inclusive; i.e., fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine; Z" is hydrogen, fluorine or chlorine. The broken lines appearing inside the rings in Formulae XIV to XXXI indicate A and A -double bonds which may or may not be present and represent A A A and A -compounds.

As used in this application, the Roman numeral following the name of a compound (or compounds) indicates the relation of the compound (or compounds) to the reaction scheme depicted above.

The novel compounds of this invention,

Ga-difluoromethyI-I 1B,17a,21 trihydroxy-4-pregnene- 3,20-dione,

3,251,834 Patented May 17, 1966 6a-difluoromethyl-1711,2l-dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3, l 1,20-

trione,

6adifluoromethyl-1 1p, 17 a,2l-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione,

6a-difluoromethyl-17u,21-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene- 3, l 1,20-trione,

6-difluoromethyl-1 1p, 17a,21-trihydroxy-4,G-pregnadiene- 3,2O-dione,

6-difluoromethyl-l7oi,2 l-dihydroxy-4,6-pregnadiene- 3, 11,20-trione, V

6-difluoromethyl-1 1,9,170;,21-trihydroxy-1,4,6-pregnatriene-3,20-dione;

6-difiuoromethy1-l7 a,21-dihydr0xy-l,4,6-pregnatriene 3,11,29-trione,

the 9uhalo, especially the 9a-fluoro, compounds corresponding otherwise thereto, 2l-esters of each, the corresponding ZI-fliio'roand 2l-desoxy compounds, including the l-7-acylates thereof, the 2a-alkyl, l6a-alkyl, 16B-alkyl, lfia-hydroxy and 16a-acyloxy derivatives of thesecompounds and in those compounds wherein the lfi-substituent is a m-hydroxy, the 160:,17oc-21C6t011id65 thereof, are highly 'potent cortical hormones having anti-inflammatory, salt and water regulating, pituitary inhibiting, progestational and anti-anabolic activities with improved ratio of therapeutic activity to undesirable side-elfects,ie.g., gastrointestinal disturbances, edema, etc., known to exist with similar known physiologically active steroid compounds.

Many of the higher molecular weight esters, particularly those resistant to hydrolysis and/or more insoluble in body fluids, provide compounds having more prolonged activity than the corresponding 21-hydroxy compounds. The above-named compounds are pharmacologically ac-. tive and useful in the treatment of various inflammatory conditions of the skin,;eyes,-respiratory tract and the bones and internal organs due to, bacterial or yiral infections, contact dermatitis and allergic reactions, rheumatoid arthritis, and possess improved therapeutic ratios of antiinflammatory activityto undesirable sidei-efiects, compared to the corresponding compounds lacking the 6mdifluoromethyl group. For this purpose the compounds of this invention may be incorporated and administered to mammals, birds, humans and animals, in the various ointments, creams, lotions, sprays, tablets, suspensions and solutions for systemic and/ or topicalapplication well known in.the art. They may be combined with known .antibiotics, especially the penicillins, neomycin, tetra- 1' fungal agents, such as griseofulvin.

cycline, chloromycetin, and nov'obiocin and with anti- Other compounds of this invention, as well as being useful as intermediates in the production of the abovedescribed compounds also possess useful physiological activity. The compounds represented by Formulae XVI, XVIIgand XVIII of the flow-sheet set forth above possess progestational, glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, and anti-inflammatory activity and are useful in the treatment of threatened abortion, \Addisons disease, rheumatoid arthritis and various allergic conditions. The compounds represented by Formulae H, I ILIIV, V, V, VI, VI, VI, VII, VII, ,VIII and XI exhibit diuretic activity and are beneficial in the treatment of congestive heart failure and other edematous conditions.

The compounds represented by Formula XXIV, e.g., 6oz difluoromethyl 11,6 hydroxy-17a,2l-epoxy-4pregnene-3,20-dione, oer-difluoromethyl 11fl-hydroxy-17,2 l epoxy-9a-fluoro-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione and 6-difluoromethyl-l113,16a-dihydr0xy 17a,21-epoxy 9oz fluorol,4,6-pregnatriene3,20-dione are formed as by-products during the synthesis of the closely related 21-fll1OI'0-17ozhydroxy-compounds embraced by Formula XXIII, e.g., (Sm-difluoromethyl 113,17 7 dihydroxy-21-fluoro-4-pregnene-3,2D-dione, 6a difluoromethyl llfi,17a-dihydroxyfrom VII and. VIII I CHF from XVI from XII, a XIV, XV, CHZX XIX and XX 7 .1 (wherein Y'.=o-.-OH) C=0 from XXI, jXXIII, xxv, XXVII .and

. XXVIII CHZOSOZR XXVIII I bar From XXVII 911,2l-difluoro-1,4-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione and 6-difluoromethyl 11;3,16oz,17u-trihydroXy 90:,21 difluoro 1,4,6- pregnatriene-IiJO-dione. The 17a,21-epoxy compounds of Formula XXIV possess marked diuretic activity and are of value in the treatment of edematous conditions including congestive heart failure.

The novel compounds of the present invention are prepared from the known cortisone (or the Zen-methyl, 16m-methy1 and 16,3-methyl derivatives thereof) (I) by the following reactions: The 17oc,21-dihydroXy-20-keto steroids (I) are converted by treatment with formaldehyde in the presence of a strong acid (hydrochloric, perchloric, sulfuric and the like acids) to the corresponding 17:20,20:21 bismethylenedioxy 4 pregnene 3,11- diones (II).

The next step of the process of this invention involves enol acylation of 17:20,20:2l-bismethylenedioxy-4-pregnene-3,11-di0ne (II) with an alkenyl acylate in the presence of an acid catalyst, e.g., isopropenyl acetate in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid, or other enol acylating agent, to produce a 17:20,20:21-bismethylenedioxy-3,5- pregnadien-ll-one S-acylate (III). Reacting the thus produced 17 20,20 2 1-bismethylenedioXy-3 ,5 -pregnadien- 1 1- one 3-acylate (III) with sodium borohydride or other appropriate reducing agent followed by reacylation yields a 17:20,20:21-bismethylenedi0xy 5 pregnene-3B,1Ij3-dihydroxy 3-acy1ate (IV).

The next step of this invention comprises hydroxymethylating the thus obtained l7:20,20z21-bismethylenedi0Xy-5-pregnene-3fl,1lfi-diol 3-acy1ate (IV) at the 6- position by reacting the aforesaid compound under conventional oxo reaction conditions with carbon mondrogen bromide.

oxide and hydrogen, e.g., under superatmospheric pressure (1000 to 3000 lbs/in. g.) at about 125 to 200 C. in the presence of-a cobalt catalyst to produce 17 :20, 20:21bismethylenedioxy-6a-hydrQXymethyI-Saregnane- 3,8,1113-diol 3-acylate (V).

The next step of the process of this invention involves the oxidation of the ll-hydroxyl and the 6a-hydroxymethyl groups of the thus produced 17:20,20:21-bismethylenedioxy- 6m-hydroxymethyl-5a-pregnane,-3/3,11B- diol 3-acylate (V), e.g., with the chromium trioxide: pyridine complex to yield 17:20,20:ZI-bismethylenedioxy- 6u-formyl-3fl-hydroxy-5m-pregnan-1l-one 3-acylate (V').

The next step of this invention comprises reacting the thus obtained 17:20,20:21bismethylenedioxy-6a-formyl- 3fl-hydroxy-5a-pregnane 3-acylate (V') with sulfur tetrafluoride under substantialy anhydrous conditions to yield 17:20,20:ZI-bismethylenedioxy 6u-difluoromethyl 36- hydroxy-Sa-pregnan-l l-one 3-acylate (VI).

The next step of the process is a reduction in which the 17:20,2022]-bismethylenedioxy-Ga-difluoromethyl-3,8- hydroxy Sa-pregnan ll-one S-acylate (V1) is reacted with lithium aluminum hydride to give the corresponding 17:20,20:21-bismethylenedioxy 6a-difluo'romethyl 35, 11/3-dihydroxy-5a-pregnane (VI'). The thus produced 17:20,20:ZI-bismethylenedioxy 6u-difluoromethyl 35, 11 B-dihydroxy-S e-pregnane (VI') can be hydrolyzed with formic acid to yield 6m-difluor-omethyl-3B,11 8,111,21 tetrahydroxy-a-pregnan-20-one (VI"). r

The next step of the process is an Oxidation employing conventional Oppenauer conditions in which the 17:20, 20:2l-bismethylenedioxy-Gwdifiuoromethyl 35,11fi-dihydroxy-5a-pregnane (VI) is reacted with an aluminum alkoxide in' the presence of a ketone, e.g., acetone or cyclohexanone, to give the corresponding 17:20,20:21- bismethylenedioxy 6a-difluoromethyl llp-hydroxy 5apregnan-3-one (VII).

The thus produced 17:20,20:21-bismethylenedioxy- Ga-difluoromethyl-l 1/3-hydroxy Sa-pregnan 3-one (VII) can be converted to 6a-difluoromethyl-11fi,17a,2l-tri- I hydroxy-4-pregnene 3,20-dione (X-II) via two different routes. (1) Dehydrogenating 17:20,20:21-bismethylenedioxy-6a-difluoromethyl-1lfl-hydroxy Su-pregnan 3-one (VII) in the 1,2- and 4,5-positions by heating at refluxing temperature in a suitable solvent with selenium dioxide gives the corresponding 17120,20:21-bismethylenedioxy- 6m-difluoromethyl llfi-hydroxy 1,4-pregnadien 3-one (VIH); hydrolyzing the thus produced 17:20,20:21- bismethylenedioxy 6a-difluoromethyl llfi-hydroxy 1,4-pregnadien' 3-one (VIII) .With formic acid to obtain the corresponding 6u-difluoromethyl 115,17a,

2l-trihydroxyl-1,4-pregnadien-3,20 dione'(IX) and hydrogenating at the 1,2-position the thus produced 6u-difl-uoromethyl 11fl,17a,21-trihydroxy 1,4-pregnadiene 3,20- dione (IX) by subjecting the said compound to fermenration with a microorganism chosen from the group consisting of ATCC 6947 (Arthrobactertumescens); NRRL B-1332; ATCC 3352 (S. olivaceous); ATCC 3313 (S. cellulosae) to produce the corresponding 6m-difluoromethyl 11fl,17a,21-trihydroxy 4 pregnene 3,20-dione (XII). (2) Alternatively, halogenating 17 :20,20:21- bismethylenedioxy fiu-difluorornethyl 11 fl-hydroxy 5apregnan-3-one (V11) in an acidic medium-with bromide and dehydrohalogenating the thus obtained bromination product with sodium iodide produces 17:20,20:21-bis methylenedioxy-6a-difluoromethyl 11 B-hydroxy 4-pregnen-3-one (XI). When the halogen employed is bromine it is convenient to acidity the reaction medium with hy- Hydrolyzing the thus obtained 17:20, 20:21-bismethylenedioxy a-difluoromethyl llp-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (XI) with formic acid produces om-difluorornethyl 11B,17a,2 1-trihyd-roxy 4-pregnene-3, ZO-dione (XII).

6a-difluoromethyl 11p,17a,21-trihydroxy 4-pregnene- 3,20-dione (XII) and GoL-diflUOI'OmBthYI-I1fi,17a,21trl hydroxy 1,4-pregnadiene 3,207-dione (IX) or their 21- 14' acylates (XII and 1X), preferably the ZI-acetates, can be converted to a number of physiologically active steroids as will be described. For example, 6a-difluoromethyl- 11p,17,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnene 3,20-dione 21-acy1ate (XII') can be dehydrogenated in the 1,2-position by heating at refluxing temperature in a suitable solvent with selenium dioxide or by fermentation with a microorga nism capable of dehydrogenating at the, 1,2-position under conventional l-dehydrogenation conditions without otherwise degrading the steroid nucleus, e.g., of the genus Septomyxa, to produce 6a-difluoromethyl-1lp,17,21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione (DO. This compound, in turn, can be esterified to produce its 21-esters (lX') according to methods known in the art. 60:- difluoromethyl 11fl,l7a,21-trihydroxy 4-pregn'ene 3, ZO-dione 21-acylate (XH') can also be converted directly to its 6-dehydro analogue, 6-difluoromethyl-11fi,17a,2ltrihydroxy-4,6-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acylate (XIII),

by heating under reflux with chloranil. The thus obtained 6-difluoromethyl 113,170:,2'1-trihydroxy-4,6-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acylate (XIII) can be dehydrogenated at the 1,2-position by heating at reflux temperature in a suitable solvent with selenium dioxide or by fermentation with a microorganism (e.g., of the genus Septomyxa) to give 6-difluoromethyl-11/3,l7,21-trihydroxy-1,4,6-pregnatriene-3,ZO-dione. This compound can be esterified to produce its 21-esters (X) by following 21-acylation procedures known in the art. 6-difluoromethyl-11fi,17a,21-trihydroxy 1,4,6-pregnatriene 3,20--

haloimide, e.g., N-bromoacetamide in pyridine or like amine, or with chromic acid or sodium dichromate, ac-

cording to methods known in the art, to produce the corresponding l-l-keto compounds (XV) which,in turn, can be hydrolyzed in the manner known in the art to pro-v duce the corresponding 21-hydroxy compounds.

The Q a-halo compounds of .the present invention are prepared in the manner disclosed in US. Patent 2,852,511

as follows: dehydrating a 6a-difluoromethyl-llfi,17a,2l-, trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,ZO-dione '21-acylate (XIV) or the corresponding l-dehydro, 6-dehydro and 1,6-bisdehydro analogues thereof with an N-haloamide in pyridine followed by anhydrous sulfur dioxide, produces 6a-difluoromethyl-17a,2'1-dihydroxy 4,9(11) pregnadiene- 3,20-dione 21-acylate (XVI) or the corresponding l-dehydro, 6-dehyd-ro and 1,6 bisdehydro analogues thereof. Ad-

dition of a hypolhalous acid, i.e., hypochlorous, hypoiodous or hyprobromous acid, to these latter compounds produces the corresponding 6a-difluoromethyl 11fl,17a,21-trihydroxy-9a-halo-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acrylate, 6a-di- 1,4,6-pregnatriene-3,20 dione 21-acrylate, respectively (XVII), which by treatment with a base, e.g., anhydrous potassium acetate, yields the corresponding epoxy compounds (XVIII), i.e., 6u-difluoromethyl-9fl,1lfi-epoxy- 17,21 dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acrylate, 6a-

nadiene-3,20-dione 21-acylate, 6-difluoromethyl-9/3,l1flepoxy-17ml1-dihydroxy-4,6-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21- acylate and 6-difluoromethyl-9p,l 1,B-epoxy-17,2l-dihy- 15 droxy-1,4,6-pregnatriene-3,20-dione 21-acylate, respectively. Treatment of these epoxy compounds with hydrogen fluoride or other hydrogen fluoride releasing agents produces 6m-difluoromethyl-11,3,17a,21 trihydroxy-9ocfluoro-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acylate, 6m-difluorometh-. ly-l1p,17a,21-trihydroxy-9u fluoro 1,4 pregnadiene- 3,20-dione. 21-acylate, 6-difluoromethyl-11fi,l7a,'21-trihydroxy-9a-fiuoro-4,6-pregnadiene 3,20-dione 21-acy1ate and 6-difluoromethyl-11p,17u,21 trihydroxy-9a-fluoro- 1,4,6-pregnatriene 3,20 dione 21-acylate, respectively (XIX). Oxidation of these latter compounds, preferably the 21-acetate, with chromic acid in acetic acid provides 6u-difluoromethyl 1704,21 di'hydroxy-9a-fiuoro-4- pregnene-3,l1,20-trione 21-acylate, a-difluorome-thyl- 170:,2l-dihydroxy-9owfluoro-1,4-pregnadiene 3,11,20-trione 2'1-acylate, 6-difluoromethyl-17a,21-dihydroxy-9afiuoro-4,6-'pregnadiene-3,11,20-tri0ne 2l-acylate and 6-difluoromethyl 170;,21 dihydroxy 1,4,6 pregnatriene- 3,11,20-trione 2l-acylate, respectively (XX). Hydrolysis of theesters represented by Formula )Q( with a base by conventional means, e.g., aqueous sodium carbonate, provides the free alcohols 6u-fluoromethyl-17a,2l-dihydroxy- 9afluoro-4-pregnene-3,1-1,20 trione, 6a-difluoromethyl- 17a,2l-dihydroxy-9a-fiuoro-1,4-pregnadiene 3,11,20-trione, 6-difiuoromethyl-17a,2l-dihydroxy 9u-fluoro-4,6 pregnadiene-3,l1,20-trione and 6-difiuor-omethyl-l7a,2ldihydroxy-9a-fiuoro-1,4,6-pregnatriene-3,ll,20trione and the remaining compounds represented collectively by XX.

The esters of XIX are similarly hydrolyzed to the corresponding 2l-hydroxy compounds.

The 6a-difluoromethyl-2l-fluoro compounds of this invention are prepared by treating 6a-difluoromethyl- 1113,17a,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione and the additional compounds represented by Formula XXI or the corresponding ll-keto compounds, with an organic sultfonyl halide such as methanesulfonyl chloride, toluenesulfonyl bromide, benzenesulfonyl chloride, napthalenesulfonyl chloride, or the like, in the manner disclosed in US. Patent 2,838,543 to obtain the corresponding 21- sulfonate ester (XXII), e.g., 6a-difluoromethyl-11fi,17u, 2 1-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21-methanesulfonate or 2l-p-toluenesulfonate; treating the thus-produced 21- alkyl or aryl snlfonates with sodium iodide in acetone solution to obtain the corresponding 21-iodo compounds (XXVI), e.g., 6a-difiuorornethyl-1113,17a-dihydroxy-2liodo-4-pregnene-3,20-dione and 6a-difluoromethyl-11B, 17u-dihydroxy-21-iodo-9a-fluoro 1,4 pregnadiene-3,20- dione; treating the thus obtained 2l-iodo compounds with silver fluoride, preferably in acetonitrile solution, to obtain the corresponding 2l-fluoro compounds embraced by Formula XXIII, e.g., 6a-difluoromethyl-11B,17a-dihydroxy-Z1-fluoro-4-pregnene-3,20-dione, 6u-difluoromethyl- 115,17 u-dihydroxy-9a,21-difluoro-1,4 pregnadiene-3,20- dione and 6-difluoromethyl=2-methyl-11fi,17u-dihydroxy- 9m-chloro-21-fluoro-1,4,6-pregnatriene-3,20-dione; and if desired, oxidizing the thus obtained 21-fluoro compounds with chromic anhydride, N-bromoacetamide, N-bromosuccinimide, or the like, to give the corresponding 11- keto compounds (XXV), e.g., 6a-difluoromethyl-17a-hydroxy-2l-fluoro-4-pregnene 3,11,20-trione, fia-difluoromethyl-17m hydroxy-9u,21 difluoro-l,4 pregnadiene 3,11,20-trione and 6-difluoromethyl 2 methyl-17m-hydroxy-9a-chloro2l-fluoro 1,4,6 pregnatriene-3,1l,20- trione. Alternatively, the 21-sulfonate (XXH) preferably the 21-methanesultonate, can be treated directly with potassium fluoride in dimethyl sulfoxide, e.g., at 100 C. for a period of 18 hours or longer, to produce directly the 6u-difiuoromethyl-2l-fluoro compounds (XXHI) in addition to minor amounts of the 6a-difluoro- Y methyl-l7u,2l epoxy compounds ()QCIV), e.g., 6m-difluoromethyl-llfi,l7ix-dihydroxy 21 fiuoro-4-pregnene- 3,20-dione (XXIII) plus 6ot-difiuoromethyl-llfi-hydroxy- 17a,2l-epoxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione (XXIV). The corresponding ll-keto analogues of the compounds embodied organic solvent mixture to obtain the corresponding 21- unsubstituted compound (XXVII) and if desired oxidizing the thus obtained 2l-unsubstituted compound with chromic anhydride, N-bromoaceta-mide, N-bromosuccinimide or the like, to give the corresponding 'll-keto compound (XXVIII), e.g., 6a-difiuoromethyl-17a-hydroxy- 4-pregnene-3,11,20-trione and 6-difiuoromethyl-16fi-methyl-l7a-hydroxy-9a-fluoro-1,4,6 pregnatriene-3,11,20-trione.

The l7-acylates (XXIX and XXXI) of the 21-unsubstituted compounds (XXVII and XXVIH) of this invention are prepared by esterifying the corresponding 17-hydroxy steroids, e.g., with the anhydride of the.

selected acid or with 'formic acid, in the manner for esterifying diflicultly esterifiable hydroxy steroids disclosed in US. Patent 2,805,230. This esterification can readily be accomplished by reacting thestarting steroid with the selected anhydride in the presence of an acid catalyst, e.g., p-tolueuesulfonic acid. Following this procedure, 6u-difluoromethyl-l1B,17a-hydroxy-9a-fluoro-4- pregnene-3,20-dione- (XXVII) and 6-difluoromethyl-2amethyl-l7a-hydroxy 4,6 pregnadiene 3,11,20-trione.

(XXVIII) heated with acetic anhydride, p-toluenesulfonic acid and acetic acid yield the corresponding Gu-difluoromethyl l1fl,17u-dihydroxy-9a fluoro 4 pregnene-3,20- dione 17-acetate (XXIX) and 6-difluoromethyl-2a-methyl-17a-hydroxy-4,6-pregnadiene-3,11,20atrione 17-acetate (XXXI).

The 16a,17a-acetal derivatives of the compounds of this invention (XXX) are prepared from the steriods represented by Formulae XII, XIV, XIX, XX, XXI, XXIII, XXV, XXV II and XXVIII, wherein Y is an a-hydroxy (prepared as in Example 76B) by treating a suspension or solution of the selected steroid in an aldehyde or ketone (either alone or in a suitable solvent when the aldehyde or ketone is a solid) with an acid catalyst such as perchloric acid, p-toluenesulfonic a'cid, hydrochloric acid or the like, neutralizing the acid and recovering the acetal derivative thus produced. For example, acetone solutions of 6u-difluoromethyl 1lB,16a,17a,21 tetrahydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione (XII) and 6u-difluoromethyl- 11B,l6oz,'17u,21-tetrahydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione (X II) and 6a-difiuoromethyl-11[3,l6a,17a,21-tetrahydroxy 9afluoro-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione (XXI) when reacted with perchloric acid yield 6a-difluoromethyl-11,3,16a,17oc, 2 l-tetrahydroxy-4epregnene-3,20-dione 16,170L-fiC6IOI1ldfi (XXX) and 6c: difluoromethyl-ll[3,l6m,l7a,2l-tetrahydroxy-9a-fiuoro-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 16a,17a-acetonide (XXX).

The :following preparations and examples are illustrative of the process and products of this invention.

PREPARATION 1 1 7:20,20:21-bismethylenedi0xy-4-pregnene- 3,11-di0ne (H) A mixture of 200 g. of 4-pregnene-l7oi,2l-dihydroxy- 3,11,20-trione (cortisone) (I), 4000 ml. of chloroform, 2500 ml. of 38% aqueous formaldehyde and 2000 ml. of concentrated hydrochloric acid was stirred at room temperature for a period of about 20 hours. The chloroiorm layer was separated, washed twice with water, sodium bicarbonate solution and again with water. The

chloroform extract was dried with sodium sulfate, the- 17 solvent evaporated and the residue crystallized from methanol to give 136 g. of light colored crystalline solid 17:20,20:21-bismethylenedioxy 4 pregnene-3,11-dione with a melting point of 244 to 248 C. and a rotation [12] of plus 82 in chloroform. A second crop of 9' g. (after recrystallization) was obtained from the mother liquor to bring the total yield to 145.2 g. (65%).

PREPARATION 2 17:20,20:21-bismethylenedioxy-Za-methyl-4- pregnene-3,11-dine (II) Following the procedure of Preparation- 1, but substituting 2a-methyl-17a,21-dihydroxy 4 pregnene-3,11,20- trione (I) (J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 77, 6401 [1955]) as the starting steroid compound, there is thus produced crystalline 17:20,20:21 bismethylenedioxy-2a-methyl-4- pregnene-3,1l-dione (H).

PREPARATION 3 17:20,20:21-bismethylenedioxy-1 6a-methyl-4- pregnene-3,11-dione (H) 17:20,.2021-bismethylenedioxy-16fi-methyI-4- pregnene-3,11 di0ne (II) Following the procedure of Preparation 1, but s'ubsti tuting 16p-methyl-17 e,21-dihydroxy 4 pregnene-3,11,20-

trione (I) (J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 80, 4435 [1958]) as the starting steroid, there is thus produced 17 :20,20:21-

bismethylenedioxy-16fl-methyl 4 pregnene-3,11-dione EXAMPLE 1 17:20,20:21-bismethyIenediOxy-S-Prgnene- 3 8,11 B-diol 3-acelate (IV) 85.9 g. of 17:20,20:21-bismethylenedioxy-4-pregnene-3, ll-dione (II), 750 ml. of isopropenyl acetate, 2.5 g. of p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate and 1000 ml. of toluene were placed in a 3 liter flask fitted with a stirrer, heating mantle and condenser. The heating of the mixture was regulated so that 200 ml. of distillate was collected over a 2 hour period. An additional 500 ml. of toluene and 750 ml. of isopropenyl acetate was added and 1200 ml. of distillate collected over a 4 hour period. The reaction mixture was then concentrated to a volume of about 200 ml. on a water bath held at a temperature of 70 to 80 C. 1000 ml. more of toluene was added and the solution concentrated to a volume of about 200 ml. under vacuum. Benzene was added to the residue'and the organic solution Washed first with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution .then water and dried with sodium sulfate. The benzene solution was stirred with 40 g. each of Florisil and Magnesol (synthetic magnesium.silicates) for a period of about 1 hour and then filtered. Evaporation of the solvent and crystallization of the resulting residue gave 481 g. (51% yield) of 17:20,20:21- bismethylenedioxy-3,S-pregnadien-ll-one 3-acetate (II I) with a melting point of 170-182 C. 70 g. of III, prepared in this manner, was dissolved in 1750 ml. of dioxane and the resulting solution cooled to 0T to 5 C. To this solution, over a period of 30 minutes, 70 g. of sodium borohydride dissolved in-700 ml. of 0.1 N sodium hydroxide was added. After a period of about '50 hours at room temperature the excess sodium borohydride was decomposed by the addition of 50% aqueous acetic acid. 900 ml. of water was added and after prolonged cooling at 0 C. the product was collected by filtration, washed with water and dried. This solid was suspended in 500 ml. of pyridine, warmed to 30 C. and filtered. 150 ml. of

18 acetic anhydride was added to the filtrate and the reaction mixture heated on a steam bath tor about 1.5 hours. After cooling, the solution was poured into 3000 ml; of ice water, allowed to stand at 0-5 C., collected by filtrati'on, washed and dried to give 52.68 g. (74% yield) of 17:20,20:21 bismethylenedioxy-5 +pregnene-3fi,11/3-diol 3-acetate (IV) with a melting point of 187m 195 C. Two recrystaillizations from acetone and Skellysolve B (hexanes) raised the melting point to 198199 C.

Analysis.Calcd; for 6 1-1 0,: Found: C, 66.75; H, 7.99. v

The infrared spectrum supports the assigned structure. Following the procedure of Example 1, but substituting 17:20,20:21 bismethylenedioXy-Zu-methyl-4-pregnene-3, ll-dione (Preparation 2) as the starting steroid, there is thus produced l7:20,20:21-bismethylenedioxy-2a-methyl- 5-.pregnene-3B,11y3-diol 3-acetate (IV).

Following the procedure of Example 1, but substituting 17:20,20:21 bismethylenedioxy-16a-methyl 4-pregnene- 3,1l-dione (Preparation 3) as the starting steroid, there is thus produced crystalline 17:20,20:21- bismethylenedioxy-16amethyl-5-pregnene-3,B,1lfi-diol 3-acetate (IV).

Following the procedure of Example 1, but substituting 17:20,20:21 bismethylenedioxy {16B methyl 4- ;pneginene-lll-dione (Preparatiori 4) as'the starting steroid, there is thus produced 17:20,20:21-bismethylenedioxy-16B-methyl-5-pregnene-3fi,1lfi-diol 3-acetate (IV). In the same manner as in Example 1', butemployiug instead of isopropenyl acetate another alkenyl acylate, is productive of the corresponding l7z 2 0,20z2l-bismethylenedioxy-5-pregnene 3fi,llfl-diol 3-acylate.

EXAMPLE 2 17:20,20.'21-bisniethyleneai0xy 6arhydr0xymethyl- 5 a-pregnane-3 5,1 1 fi-zliol 3 -acetate (V) A 2000 ml. autoclave was charged with 36.4 g. of 17:20,20:21 bismethylenedioxy 5 pregnene 7 3 3,11}?- diol 3-acetate (IV), 1150 m1. of .toluene and 9.1 g. of cobalt carbonate. After flushing the autoclave three times with carbon monoxide, the carbon monoxide pressure was raised to 650 pounds per square inch, and hydrogen was introduced until the gas pressure reached 1360 pounds per square inch. The reaction mixture in the autoclave was heated at 180 C. with agitation for a period of about 18 hours. The gases were vented and the reaction mixture removed from the autoclave. Following filtration through Celine (diatomaceous earth),the toluene was evaporated in vacuo and the residue boiled for 1 hour in 1000 ml. of ethanol. The solution was filtered through Celite and the alcohol evaporated in vacuo. Crystallization of the residue from a mixture of acetone and Skellysolve B gave 15.8 g. (Crop 1) of 17.:20,20:21- bismethylenedioxy 6a hydroxymethyl 5a pregnanc- 313,1113-diol 3-acetate (V) with a melting point of 193 to 199 C. The mother liquors were chromatographed on a a column .of synthetic magnesium silicate in order to isolate and recover additional amounts of the product V, and eluted with acetonerSkellysolve B mixtures of 'increasing polarity. Elution with-2030% acetone:Skellysolve B gave an additional amount of 17 :20,20:21-bismethylenedioxy 6a hydroxymethyl 5oz pregnanc- 3B,11}3-diol S-acetate (V). Crystallization of the combined fractions from acetone:Skellysolve B gave a furth'er 4.9 g. (Crop 2) of product with a melting point of 193' to 199 C. Two crystallizations from acetone2Skellysolve B yielded purified 17:20,20:ZI-bimethylenedioxy- 6a-hydroxymethyl-5a-pregnane-3B,11/3-diol 3-acetate (V) having a melting point of 202 to 204 C.

Analysis.Calcd. for C H O C, 64.98; H, 8.39. Found: C, 64.63; H, 8.65. v

The infrared spectrum provided confirmation of the assigned structure.

Following the procedure of Example 2, but substituting 17:20,20:21 bismethylenedioxy 20c methyl 5 pregnene-3,8,11,8-diol 3-acetate as the starting'compound, there 19 is thus produced 17:20,20:2l-bismethylenedioxy-2oc- "methyl-6a-hydroxymethyl-Sa-pregnane-318,1I/S-diol 3-acetate (V).

Following the procedure of Example 2, but substituting 17:20,20:21 bismethylenedioxy 16a methyl S-pregnene 35,115 diol 3 acetate as the starting compound, there is thus produced crystalline 17:20,20:21-bismethylenedioxy 16a methyl 6a hydroxymethyl a pregnane-3,8,1l;3-diol 3-acetate (V), substitution of the 1619- methyl isomer as starting material yields 17:2( ),20:21-bismethylenedioxy 16 3 methyl 6a hydroxymethyl 5apregnane-3/8,11fl-diol 3-acetate (V).

In the same manner as in Example .2, but substituting another 3-acylate for the starting 17:20,20,2l-bismethylenedioxy5-pregnene-3}8,1IB-diol 3-acetate there is thus produced the corresponding 17:20,20:21-bismethylenedioxy-Ga-hydroxymethyl-S a-pregnane-318,l l p-diol 3- acylate (V). v

EXAMPLE 3 g 1 7 :20,20:21 -bz'smethylenedioxy-6a-f0rmyl-3 B- hydroxy-Sa-pregnan-II-one 3-acetate (V) dium sulfate and the solvent removed; 200 ml. of toluene .1

was added to the residue and the. solvent, evaporated to remove remaining pyridine. This latter operation was repeated twice. The residue was dissolved in ml. of methylene chloride and chromatographed 'on a column containing 900 g. of Florisil in order to isolate the product '17:20,20:21 bismethylenedioxy 6a formyl 313 hydroxy-Sa-pregnan-l l-one 3-acetate (V'). Elution with increasing proportions of acetone in Skellysolve B gave two main products. The first, eluted with a mixture of 20% acetone in Skellysolve B, gave (after combination of the fractions and crystallization from a mixture of acetone and Skellysolve B) 2.48 g. of l7:20,2022l-bismethylenedioxy 6a formyl 3B hydroxy 50c -pregnan ll one S-acetate (V) with a melting point of 212 to 220 C. Recrystallization of a sample of this product from a mixture of acetone'and Skellysolve B gave 17 120,20z21-bismethylenedioxy 6a formyl 35 hydroxy 5oz pregnan-ll-one 3-acctate having a melting point of 205 to 210 C.

Analysis.Calcd. for C H O Found: C, 65.19; H, 7.69. p

The infrared spectrum of this compound is in agreement with the 6a-formyl structure.

The second main product obtained was eluted from the Florisil with a'mixture of 30% acetone in Skellysolve B and is methyl-5a-pregnene-3fi-hydroxy-1l-one 3-acetate. The fractions consisting of this product were combined and crystallized from a mixture of acetone and Skellysolve B to give 1.31 g. of light colored crystalline material with a melting point of 205 to 207 C.

Following the procedure of Example 3, but substituting 17:20,20:2l bismethylenedioxy 2a methyl 6a hydroxymethyl-5a-pregnane-3,3,1lB-dihydroxy 3-acetate (V) as the starting compound, there is thus produced 17:20, 20:21 bismethylenedioxy 2a'- methyl 6a formyl 35- hydroxy-5u-pregnan-ll-one 3-acetate-(V).

Following the procedure of Example 3, but substituting 17':20,20:21 bismethylenedioxy 16a methyl- 6a-hydroXymethyl-5wpregnane-Bfi,1lfl-dihydroxy 3-ace- 17:20,20 2l-bismethylenedioxy-Ga-hydroxy- 20 tate (V) as the starting compound, there is thus produced l7:20,20:2l bismethylenedioxy 16a methyl- 6a formyl 35 hydroxy 5a pregnen 11 one 3- acetate (V').

Following the procedure of Example 3, but substituting I 17:2'0,20:2l bismethylenedioxy- 16B methyl 6a hydroxymethyl-S a-pregnane-3fi,11B-dihydroxy 3-acetate (V) as the starting compound, there is thus produced 17:20,

20:21 bismethylenedioxy 16B methyl 6oz formyl-' 3p-hydroxy-5a-pregnan-1l-one 3-acetate (V').

EXAMPLE 3A 17:20,20:21-bismethylenedi0xy-6ot-difluor0methyl- 3fl-hydr0xy-5a-pregnan-11-one 3-acetate (VI) A mixture of 0.94 g. 0.002 mole) of 17=2o,2o521- bismethylenedioxy-6a-formyl 3p-hydroxy 5oz pregnanll-one 3-acetate (V), 0.05 ml. (0.0028 mole) of water,

0.25 ml. (0.0031 mole) of tetrahydrofuran, 20 ml. of methylene chloride and 46 g. (0.43 mole) of sulfur tetrafluoride was agitated for a. period of about 16 hours at about 15 C. in a 100 ml. stainless steel autoclave. Isolation was effected by venting the autoclave, diluting its contents with methylene chloride and washing the diluted reaction mixture with an excess of potassium bicarbonate solution. The methylene chloride solution'was dried with sodium sulfate and concentrated to dryness. Chromatography of the residue for the purpose of isolating the product, 17:20,20:2l-bismethylenedioxy-6a-difluoromethyl-3B-hydrQXy-Sa-pregnan-ll-one 3-acetate (VI) on a Florisilcolumn eluted with increasing percentages of acetone in Skellysolve B gave crystalline material from the 2 to 5% acetone in Skellysolve B eluates. Recrystallization of this material yielded 0.59 g. to l7:20,20:2l ,bismethylenedioxy-6a-difluoromethyl 3 3 hydroxy 5w pregnan-ll-one S-acetate (VI) with a melting point of 233 to 238 C. Further recrystallization from acetone and Skellysolve B for obtaining an analytical sample gave a product with a melting'point of 238 to 242C. and a rotation {cab of minus 40 (CHCl Analysis.Calcd. for C H O F C, 62.63; H, 7.28; F. 7.62. Found: C, 62.38; H, 7.11; F, 7.44.

. The infrared spectrum supports the assigned structure. Following the procedure of Example 3A, but substituting 17:20,20:2l-bismethylenedioxy-2a methyl -6aformyl-3 8-hydroxy-5a-pregnan-11 one 3 acetate (V) 17:20,20:2I-bismethylenedioxy-IGfl-methyl 6a formyl- ,3B-hydroxy-5a-pregnan-l l-one 3-acetate (V) and 1601- methyl-6a-formyl-3fi-hydroxy-Sd-pregnan-1l-one 3-acetate (V) and 16a-methyl-6a-formyl-3,B-hydroxy-5a-pregnanll-one 3-acetate (V) as the starting compounds, there is thus produced 17:20,20:2l-bismethylenedioxy-2-methyl-6a-difluoromethyl-3B-hydroxy-5a-pregnan 11 one 3- acetate (VI), 17:20,20:2l-bismethylenedioxy-l6/8-methyl-6u-difluoromethyl-3B-hydPoXy-Sa-pIegnan ll one 3- .acetate (VI) and 17:20,20:2l-bismethylenedioxy-l6umethyl-fia-difiuoromethyl-3fl-hydroxy 50c pregnan 11- one S-acetate, respectively.

EXAMPLE 3B A solution of 1.45 g. of 17:20,20z21-bismethylenedioxy-6a-difluoromethyl-3 3-hydroxy-5a-pregnan-l1 one S-acetate (VI) in 20 ml. of benzene and 10 ml. of ether was added dropwise to a stirred suspension of 2 g. of lithium aluminum hydride in ml. of benzene and 40 ml. of ether under an atmosphere of nitrogen. The reduction was allowed to proceed at room temperature for a period of about 1.5 hours. Isolationof the product was effected by the successive addition of ethyl acetate and water. Filtration of the inorganic salts with the 'aid of Supercel, followed by evaporation of the solvent, gave a crystalline residue. Recrystallization from a mixture of acetone and Skellysolve B yielded a first crop amounting to 990 mg. and having a melting point of 186 to 188 C. Further recrystallization from the same solvents gave 17:20,20:21-bisrnethylenedioxy-6a-difiuoromethyl-35,115-dihydroxy-a-pregnane (VI with a melting point of 186 to 188 C.

Arzalysz'r.-Calcd. for C H F O C, 62.88; H, 7.86; F, 8.3. Found: C, 62.95; H, 7.99; F, 8.2.

The infrared spectrum supports the assigned structure.

Following the procedure of Example 3B, but substituting 17:20,20:21-bismethylenedioxy-2a methyl 6adifluoromethyl-35-hydroxy-5a-pregnan-l l-onc 3 acetate (VI). and 17:20,20:21-bismethylenedioxy-165-methyl-6adifiuoromethyl-35-hydroxy-5a-pregnau-1l-one 3 acetate (VI) as starting compounds, there is thus produced 17 :20,20:2l-bismethyIenedioXy-Za-methyI 6oz difluoromethyl-35,115-dihydroxy-5mpregnane (VI) and 17:20, '20:2l-bismethylenedioxy-l65-methyl 6oz difluoromethy1-35,1l5-dihydroxy-5a-pregnane (VI), respectively.

EXAMPLE 4 17:20,20:21-bismethylenedioxyout-difluoromethyl- 1 15-lzydroxy-5a-pregnan-3-one (VII) 625 mg. of 17:20,20:21-bismethylenedioxy-6u-difiuoromethyl-35,115-dihydroxy-5a-pregnane (VI) dissolved in 100 ml. of toluene and 30 ml. of cyclohexanone, was heated to reflux with stirring in a flask equipped with a water separator. After heating the steroid solution for about 1 hour at reflux temperature, 1.3 g. of aluminum t-butoxide was added thereto and heating under reflux continued for an additional period of about 18 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and washed successively with Rochelle salt solution, dilute hydrochloric acid, water and dried with sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvent gave an oil which was dissolved in ml. of methylene chloride and chromatographed on a column of 50 g. of Florisil to recover the desired product, 17:20, 20:21-bismethylenedioxy 6oz difluoromethyl 115 hydroxy-5a-pregnan-3-one (VII). Elution with increasing proportions of acetone in Skellysolve B gave crystalline material from the 10% to 20% acetone:Skellysolve'B eluates. Crystalization of this material from a mixture of acetone and Skellysolve B gave 0.391 g. of product with. a melting point of 184 to 188 C. Recrystallization from the same solvent mixture yielded 17:20,20:2l-bismethyleneclioxy-6a-difluoromethyl 115 hydroxy 5apregnan-3-one, acetone solvate (V11) with a melting point of 189 to 190 C.

.Analysis.-Calcd. for C H OgF -C H O: C, 63.02; H, 7.78; F, 7.39. Found: C, 63.18; H, 7.62; F, 7.74.

The infrared spectrum supports the assigned structure.

Heating the. solvated compound in a vacuum oven yields the corresponding anhydrous compound with the empirical formula: C H O F The anhydrous compound is also obtained by recrystallization of the acetone solvate from methanol.

Following the procedure of Example 4, but substituting (1) 17:20,20:21-bismethylenedioxy-6vat-difluoromethyl-Za-methyl-Sa-pregnane-35,115-diol (VI) (2) 17:20, 20:21-bismethylenedioxy-fiat-difluoromethyl 16a methyl-5-pregnane-35,ll5-diol (VI) and (3) 17:20,20:2lbismethylenedioxy-6u-difluoromethyl-165 methyl 5apregnane-35,115-diol (VI) as starting compounds, there are thus produced, respectively, (1) 17:20,20:21-bismethylenedioxy-6a-difluoromethyl-2a-methyl 115 hydroxy- 5a-pregnan-3-one (VII), (2) 17:20,20:21-bismethylenedioxy-fia-difluoromethyl-lGar-methyl 115 hydroxy 5ozpregnan-S-one (VII) and (3) 17:20,20:21-bismethylenedioxy-6a-difiuoromethyl-165-methyl 115 hydroxy 5ozpregnan-3-one (VII).

EXAMPLE 4A 6a-diflu0r0methy165,115,] 7a,21-tetrahydroxy- Sa-pregnane-ZO-One (VI") Nitrogen was bubbled through 10 ml. of 60% formic period of about 20 minutes with nitrogen) and an aqueous solution of potassium bicarbonate mg. in 10 ml. of water also purged with nitrogen) added and the resulting solution stirred for about 48 hours at room temperature. Acetic acid was added to .the solution until the pH was 7.0 and the solvent removed under vacuum. The organic material was removed from the residue with methylene chloride, the extract dried with sodium sulfate and evaporated to give crystalline material. This was dissolved in a mixture of methylene chloride and ethyl acetate and chromatographed on a columnof 5.0 g. of Florisil (synthetic magnesium silicate) previously wetted with Skellysolve B hexanes to recover the tetrahydroxy compound of VI". Light colored crystals were obtained from 30% acetonezSkellysolve B eluates. These fractions were pooled and crystallized from a mixture of acetone and Skellysolve B to give 6a difiuoromethyl-35,l15,17a,21 tetrahydroxy 5a-pregnan-20-one (VI").

Following the procedure of Example 4A, but. substituting (1) 17:20,20:2l-bismethylenedioxy-6a-difiuoromethyl 2a methyl 35,115 dihydroxy 5oz pregn-ane (VI) (2) 17 :20,20:21-bismethylenedioxy 6a difluoromethyl methyl 135,115 dihydroxy 5u-pregnane (VI) and (3) 17:20,20:21 bismethylenedioxy 6a difluoromethyl methyl 35,115 dihydroxy 5oz pregnane (VI) as starting compounds, there are thus produced, respectively, (1) 6oz difluoromethyl 2oz methyl- 3'5,ll5,17x,21 tetrahydroxy 5a pregnan-ZO-one (VI"), (2) mat-difluoromethyl-16a-methyl-35,115,17u,21- tetrahydroxy 5a pregnan 20 one (VI) and (3) 6oz difluoromethyl 165 methyl 35,l15,17a,21-tetrahydroxy-5a-pregnan-20-one (VI").

EXAMPLE 5 1 7 .'20,'20:21 -bismethylenedi0xy-6 (at-difluoromethyl- 1I5-hydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3-0ne (VIII) of nitrogen and the resulting residue extracted withethyl acetate. The extracts were washed successively with sodium bicarbonate solution, dilute aqueous ammonia, dilute hydrochloric acid, sodium bicarbonate solution and Water. The extracts were dried over sodium sulfate and the solvent removed in vacuo to give an oil, which was dissolved in 10 m1. of methylene chloride and chromatographed on a column of 25 g. of Florisil to isolate the pregnadiene compound VIII. Elution with increasing proportions of acetone in Skellysolve B gave crystalline material from 20% acetonezSkellysolve B eluates. These were combined and crystallized from a mixture of acetone and Skellysolve B to yield 64 mg. of product with a melting point of 248 to 252 C. Recrystallization from the same solvent mixture gave 17:20,20:21-

bismethylenedioxy 6oz difluoromethyl 115 hydroxy- Y 23 1,4-pregnadiene-3-one' (VIII) with a melting point of 263 to 265 C.

Analysis.Calcd. for C H O F: C, 63.72; H, 6:64; F, 8.41. Found: C, 63.67; H, 6.73; F, 8.43.

The infrared spectrum supports the assigned structure. The ultra violet spectrum shows EtOH 242 mu 15,550; t=1.99).

Following the procedure of Example 5, but substituting (1) 17:20,20:21 bismethylenedioxy 60c difluoromethyl 20c methyl 11,3 hydroxy 50c pregnan 3- one (VII), (2) 17 :20,20:2l bismethylenedioxy 6a difluoromethyl 16a methyl 11/8 hydroxy 5a pregnan 3-one (VII) and (3) 17:20,20:21 bismethylenedioxy 6a difluoromethyl 165 methyl 11 8-hydroxy 5a pregnan 3 one (VII) as starting compounds, there are thus produced, respectively, (1) 17:20,20:21 bismethylenedioxy 6oz difluoromethyl 2 methyl 11/8 hydroxy 1,4 pregnadien-3-one (VIII), (2) 17:2O,20:21- bismethylenedioxy 6oz difluoromethyl 16a methyl 11,8 hydroxy 1,4 pregnadien 3-one (VIII) and (3) 17:20,20:21 bismethylenedioxy 6a difluoromethyl- 165 methyl 11B hydroxy 1,4 pregnadien-S-one (VIII).

EXAMPLE 5A 6u-difluoromethyl-11,8,] 701,21 -trihydrxy-5upregnan-3-0ne-21-acetale (VII? 250 mg. of l7220,20:2l-bismethylenedioxy 6a difluoromethyl 11 8 hydroxy oz pregnan- 3 one (VII) was heated on a steam'bath in ml. of 65% formic acid in a stream of nitrogen for a period of about 10 minutes. ing and then pouring the reaction mixture onto ice: water, and extracting the organic material with methylene chloride. The combined extracts were washed with dilute sodium bicarbonate solution, water and dried with sodium sulfate. After evaporation of the solvent from the extract, the resulting residue was dissolved in 10 ml. of pyridine and 5 ml. of acetic anhydride. After standing at room temperature for a period of about 18 hours, the reaction mixture was poured onto ice:water and extracted with methylene chloride. These extracts were washed successively with dilute hydrochloric acid, sodium bicarbonate solution, water and dried with sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvent gave an oil which was dissolved in 10 ml. methylene chloride and chromatographed on a column of 25 g. of Florisil to isolate the product 60: difluoromethyl ll 3,l7a,2l-trihydroxy-5apregnan-B-one 2l-acetate (VII'). Elution with increasing proportions of acetone in Skellysolve B gave crystalline material from the 20% to 30% acetone:Skellysolve B eluates. These were combined and recrystallized from a mixture of acetone and Skellysolve B to yield 86 mg. of product with a melting point of 189 to 192 C., which gave a positive triphenyleterazolium chloride test. Recrystallization from the same solvent mixture gave pure 6oz difluoromethyl 11fi,l7a,2l-trihydroxy 50c pregnan 3 one 2l acetate (VII) with a melting point of 192 to 195 C. and the following analysis:

Calcd. for C24H34F206C3H60: C, H. F, 7.39. Found: C, 62.45; H, 7.78; F, 7.64.

Heating the solvated compound in a vacuum oven yl 16;? methyl 11B hydroxy 50c pregnan 3 one 1 (VII) as starting compounds, there are thus produced,

Isolation was then effected by cooli one 21-acetate (VII).

EXAMPLE 5B 6 u-di fluoromethyl-I 1 5,1 7a,21-trihydr0xy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-di0ne 21-acetate (IX) 307 mg. of 6a-difiuoromethyl-11/3,17u,21-trihydroxy- 5oc-pregnan-3-one 21-acetate (VII) and 400 mg. of selenium dioxide in 25 ml. of t-butanol and 1.5 ml. of acetic acid were heated at reflux temperature for a period of about 18 hours. At the end of this time an additional 400 mg. of selenium dioxide was added and the heating under reflux continued for another period of about 24 hours. After cooling, the insoluble material was removed by filtration through Celite; the filtrate was evaporated to dryness in a stream of nitrogen and the'resulting residue extracted with ethyl acetate. The extracts were washed successively with sodium bicarbonate solution, freshly prepared ice-cold ammonium sulfide solution, dilute aqueous ammonia, dilute hydrochloric acid, sodium bicarbonate solution and water. The extracts were dried over sodium sulfate and the solvent removed in vacuo to give an oil. The residual oil dissolved in 10 ml. of methylene chloride was chromatographed on a column of 25 g. of Florisil to recover the pregnadiene of DC. Elution with increasing proportions of acetone in Skellysolve B gave crystalline material from the 20% to 30% acetone:Skellysolve B eluates. These were combined and recrystallized from a mixture of acetone and Skellysolve B to give 24 mg. of 6a-difluoromethyl-11B,17a,21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate (IX') with a melting point of 217 to 220 C. A mixed melting point with a sample of 6a-difluoromethyl-1 lfi, l7a,2l-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (IX') from Example 6A was not depressed.

Following the procedure of Example 5B, but substituting (1) 6a difluoromethyl-2u-methyl-11B,17u,21-trihydroxy-5a-pregnan-3-one (VII'), (2) 6a-difluoromethyl- 16amethyl 11fi,17oc,21 trihydroxy 51x pregnan 3- one 21-acetate (VII) and (3) 6a-difluoromethyl-l6fimethyl 11 3,17a,21 trihydroxy 5a pregnan 3 one 21-acetate (VII) as starting compounds, there are thus produced, respectively, (1) 6a-difluoromethyl-2u-methyl- 113,17a,21 trihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21-acetate (IX'), (2) 6oz-difluoromethyl-l6u-methyl-1113, 170:,21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21 acetate (IX) and (3) 6a-difiuoromethyl-l6p-methyl 1113,17a,2ltrihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate (IX').

EXAMPLE 6 6a-diflu0romethyl-11BJ7a,21-trilzydr0xy-1,4-

pregnadiene-3 ,2 O-dione (IX) Nitrogen was bubbled through 10 m1. of 60% formic acid solution during 5 minutes of heating on a steam bath. Then 60 mg. of 17:20,20:2l-bismethylenedioxy- 6a difiuoromethyl llB-hydroxy-l,4-pregnadien-3-one (VIII) was added to the hot formic acid while heating on the steam bath was continued for 15 minutes, during which period nitrogen was continuously introduced. After cool-ing, the solution was poured into icezsodium bicarbonate solution and the organic material extracted with methylene chloride. The extract was washed with water, dried with sodium sulfate and the solvent evaporated. The crystalline solid was dissolved in 20 ml. methanol (previously purged for a period of about 20 minutes with nitrogen) and an aqueous solution of potassium bicarbonate mg. in 10 ml. of water also purged with nitrogen) added and the resulting solution was stirred for about 48 hours at room temperature. Acetic acid was added to the solvent until the pH was 7.0 and the solvent removed under vacuum. The organic chromatographed on a column of 5.0g. of Florisil syn thetic magnesium silicate previously wetted with Skellysolve' B hexanes in order to isolate and recover the desired product of IX. Light colored crystals were obtained from 30% acetonezSkellysolve B eluates. These factions were pooled and crystallized from a mixture of acetone and Skellysolve B to give 6a-difiuoro'methyl- 11,8,17a,21 trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20 dione (IX).

Following the procedure of Example 6, but substitut ing (1) 17:20,20:21 bismethylenedioxv- 6u-difluoromethyl 2-methyl-11fl-hydroxyd,4-pregnadien-3-one, (2- 17:20,20:2l bismethylenedioxy 6a-difluoromethyl-l6amethyl 115 hydroxy 1,4 pregnadien-3-one and (3- 17:20,20:21 bismethylenedioxy 6c: difluoromethyl- 16B methyl 11B hydroxy 1,4 pregnadien 3 one as starting compounds, there are thus produced, respectively 1) 6oz difluoromethyl 2 methyl 11,8,17a,21 trihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene-3,20. dione (IX), (2) 6ozdifluoromethyl 16oz methyl 11fi,l7cc,21 trihydroxy- 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20 dione (IX) and 3) 6a-difiuoromethyl 16,3 methyl 11B,17u,21 trihydroxy 1,4- pregnadieue-3,20-dione (1X).

EXAMPLE 6A 6a-difluor0methyl-1'J 8,1 7 (1,21 -trihydrxy-1 ,4- pregnadiene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate (lX) 480 mg. of 17:20,2 0:21 bismethylenedioxy 6u-difiuoromethyl 11/3 hydroxy 1,4 pregnadien 3 one (VH1) was suspended in 20 ml. of 65% aqueous formic -acid and the mixture heated in a stream of nitrogen on a steambath for a period of about 15 minutes. The solution was cooled and poured onto a mixture of ice and water; the organic material was extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined extracts were washed successively. with water, sodium bicarbonate solution, water and then dried with sodium sulfate. Removal of the solvent gave an oil which was dissolved in 35 ml. of pyridine and ml. of acetic anhydride. After standing for a period of about 18 hours at room temperature this mixturewas poured onto icezsodium bicarbonate solution and the organic material extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined extracts were Washed with dilute hydrochloride acid, sodium bicarbonate solution, water and dried with sodium sulfate. Removal of the solvent gave an oil which was dissolved in methylene chloride and chromatographed on a column of 40 g. of Florisil to isolate and recover the trihydroxy monoacetate compound of IX.

20% to 30% acetonezSkellysolve B eluates. Recrystallization from a mixture ofwacetone and SkellysolveB yielded 25 mg. of product with a melting point of 210 to 214 C., which gave a positive triphenyltetrazolium chloride test. Further recrystallization from a mixture of acetone and Skellysolve B gave 6u-difluoromethyl- 1lfi,l7oz,21 trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21- acetate (D() with a melting point of 212 to 215 C.

, Analysis.-Calcd. for C H F O C, 63.72; H, 6.64. Found: C, 63.59; H, 6.92.

The infrared spectrum supports the assigned structure. Following the prolcedure of Example 6A, but substitut ing 1) 17 :20,20:21. bismethylenedioxy-6a-difluoromethyl -'2 methyl 11,8-hydroxy-1,4-pregnadien-3-one (VIII), (.2) 17:20,20:21 bismethylenedioxy 6a-difluoromethyl- 16u-'methyl-1lfl-hydroxy-l,4-pregnadien-3-one (VIII) and (3) 17:20,20:2l 'bismethylenedioxy 6oz difluorometh- 'yl l6flmethyl-l lfi-hydroxy-l,4-pregnadien-3-one (VIII) as starting compounds, there are thus produced, respectively, (1) 6a difluoromethyl 2 methyl-'11fl,17a,2 1-trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate (lX'), ('2) 6m difluoromethyl 160a methyl-1lp,l7a,2ltrihydroxy- Elution with increasing proportions ofacetone in Skellysolve B gave crystalline material from- '26 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (IX') and (3) 6adifluoromethyl 16p methyl-11B,17a,21-trihydroxy-1,4-

pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (IX').

EXAMPLE ,7

6a difluofomethyl 113,] 711,21 trihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (IX) 0.5 g. of fia-difluoromethyl-l 1 8,17u,21 t1'-ihydroxy-1,4- pregnadiene-3,20-dione (IX) was allowed to stand overnight at room temperature in- 15 ml. of pyridine containing 3.5 ml. of acetic anhydride. After 18 hours at room temperature the reaction mixture was poured into a mixture of ice and sodium bicarbonate solution and extracted with ethyl acetate. The pooled extracts were washed successively with water, dilute sulfuric acid, water until neutral and dried with sodium sulfate. Removal of the sol- Vent gave a crystalline ling-colored solid, which on recrystallization from a mixture of acetone and Skellysoive B yielded fiu-difluoromethyl-l1/3,17a,21-triphydroxy-1,4- pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (IX').

60: difluoromethyl 11fi,17a,21 tri-hydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione (IX) is converted to other 21-esters by reaction with the appropriate acid anhydride, acidchloride or bromide, or by other methods in the art, e.g., Iby ester exchange, acid in the presence of an estifica, tion catalyst, etc, to produce 6a-difluoromethyl41fi,17a, 21 trihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acylates (IX) which include those wherein the acyl radical of the 21-acylate group is the acyl radical of, for example, a lower-aliphatic acid, e.g., formic, propi-oni'c, butyri'c, isobutynic, valeri'c, is'ovaleric, trimethyla'cetic, Z-methylbutyri'c, 3-ethylbutyric, hexanoic, diethylacetic, tn'ethylacetic, :heptanoic, octanoic, a-ethylisovaleric, a cyclic acid, e.g., cyclopropylideneacetic, a cycloaliphatic acid, e.g., cyclopentyl formic, cyclopentylacetic, fi-cyclopentylpropionic,

. acid, e.g., phenylacetic, phenylpropionic, diphenylacetic,

triphenylacetic, a dibasic acid, which can :be converted to water soluble, e.g.,.sodium salts, e.g., succinic, glutaric, a-methy lglutaric, ip-dimethylglutaric, adipic, pimelic, su'benic,-a ihydroxy acid, e.g., glycolic, lactic, citric, tartaric, damaleic, d-glyceric, 2,3,4-trimethoxy benzoi'c,

a-naphthoxyaceti c, or other acyl acid.

' Following the procedure of Example 7, but substituting 1) 6a difiuoromethyl 2 methyl 11/3,l7u,21 -trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione, (2) 6u-difluoromethy'l- 16oz methyl 11;3,170z,21 trihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene- 3,20-dione and (3) 6a-difluoromethyl-16fi-methyl-11B, 17a,21-t1ihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione as starting compounds, there are thus produced, respectively, (1) 6a difluoromethyl 2 methyl-11,8,17a,21-trihydroxy- 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (IX'), (2) 6u-difluoromethyl 16cc methyl 11,8,17a,-2l-trihydroxy-1,4- pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (IX') and (3) 6a-difluoromethyl 16 3 methyl 11fl,l7a,2l-trihydroxy-1,4- pregnadiene'-3,20-dione 21-acetate (IX').

S1m-1larly, 6a difluoromethyl 2 methyl-11B,17a,21- trlhydroxy-l,4- pregnadiene-3,20-dione, 6u-difiuoromethyl- 16a methyl 11,8,17a,21 tri-hydroxy 1,4-pregnacliene- 3,20-dione and 6a-difluoromethyl-16fl-methyl-l lfl,l7a,21- trihydroxy-l,4- premadiene-3,20-dione are converted to any of the other esters named in the paragraph fo'lIowin-g Example? ;by substituting these compounds for Got-difluoromethyld 1,8, 17a,21-'tri*hydlroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20 dione as the starting compound in the acylation reaction.

EXAMPLE 8 6 difluoromethyl I1/3,17oc,21 trihydroxy 1,4,6 pre natriene-3,20-di0ne 21-acetate (X) 6oz difluoromethyl 11,8,17a,21-'t1ihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione ill-acetate (lX), recrystallized 2,3,5,6-

mannonic, gluconic, salicyclic,

27 tetrachloro-l,4 benzoquinone (chloranil) and tertiary amyl alcohol were heated together to boiling under nitrogen with a few Iboiling chips and gently refluxed for a period of about 6 hours. The mixture was cooled and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The, solid residue with the exception of some insoluble chlorani'l was dissolved in ether and filtered. The ether filtrate was washed with cold 2% sodium hydroxide, cold water (until the washings were neutral), then with saturated sodium chloride solution. The ether solution was dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. The residue was readily crystallized from cold acetone to yield 6a difluoromethyl 11,8,l7oc,21 trihydroxy-l,4,6-pregnatriene-3,20-dione 2la cetate (X).

The ester thus obtained can be hydrolyzed with potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate in methanol or ethanol at room temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere to give the tree triol, 6-difiuorornet-hyl-1l S,17a,21-trihydroxy-1,4,6-pregnatriene-3,20-dione. The triol can be reesterified to the 2l-acy'late by reacting it at room temperature in pyridine solution with the anhydride or acyl halide of an organic carboxylic acid.

' In the same manner as in Example 8, substitution of 6a di-fiuoromethyl 11 [3,l7oc,21 tnihydroxy 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione as the starting steroid is productive of 6 difiuoromethyl 11 B,l7a,21 tri-hydroxy-l,4,6 pre=@atriene-3,20-dione.

Similarly, substituting as the starting steroid another 21 acyl-ate of 6a difluoromethyl-ll,B,l7 x,21trihydroxy- 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione for the 2lacetate employed in the G-dehydrogenation react-ion described in Example 8, wherein the acyl radical is, e.g., that of an acid named in the paragraph following Example 7, there is thus produced the corresponding 21-acylate of 6-difiuoromet-hyll 118, l 7a,21-trihydroxy-l ,4,6-pregnatriene-3 ,20-dione.

Following the procedure of Example 8, but substituting 6a difiuoromethyl 2 methyl 11[3,170z,2l trihydroxy- 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate, 6u-difiuoromethyl- 16oz methyl 11fl,17a,21 trihydroxy 1,4-pregnadiene- 3,20-dione 21-acetate and 6a-difiuoromethyl-l6,8 methyl- 11fi,17a,21 trihydroxyl 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21- acetate as starting compounds, there are thus produced the corresponding l,4,6- pregnatriene ZI-acetate (X).

Similarly, substituting as the starting steroids'other 21- acylates of 6a-difluoromethyl-2-methyl-11B,17a,21-trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione, 6u-difluoromethyl-l6amethyl 1113,17oc,21 trihydroxy l,4-pregnadiene-3,20- dione and 6a-difluoromethyl-16fi-methyl-11fi,l7u,21-trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione for the 2l-acetate, there are thus produced the corresponding 1,4,6-pregnatriene 21- acylates.

EXAMPE 9 1 7: 20,20 21-bismethylenedioxy-fia-difloromethyl- 1 1,B-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (XI) 250 mg. of 17:20,20:2l-bismethylenedioxy-6a-difiuoro methyl-1lfi-hydroxy-5a-pregnan-3-one (VII) in 10 ml. of dioxane was acidified with one drop of 4 Normal hydrogen'bromide in dioxane and 215 mg. of bromine added over a period of about 1 minute. After about 1 hour at room temperature an excess of sodium bicarbonate solution was added to the reaction mixture. The precipitated dibromo derivative of 17:20,20:2l-bismethylenedioxy 60c difluoromethyl-llfi-hydroxy-5a-pregnan-3- one (VII) was treated with 0.9 g. of sodium iodide in ml. of acetone containing bromoacetone, and the mixture heated under reflux for about 2.5 hours. 0.3 g. of oxalic acid was then added and refluxing continued for a period of about 1 hour. After cooling, ethyl acetate was added and the solution filtered. The filtrate was washed with water and sodium bicarbonate solution, then dried with sodium sulfate. The filtrate was stirred with 500 mg. of zinc dust in 2 ml. of acetic acid for about 1 hour and filtered. The organic layer was washed successively with water, sodium bicarbonate solution and 28 dried with sodium sulfate. Evaporationrof the solvent gave the crude a,l3-unsaturated ketone, which on purification by means of the derivative formed with the Girard reagent, followed by subsequent crystallization yielded pure 17 :20,20:21 bismethylenedioxy-6a-difluoromethyh 11fi-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (XI). Alterntaively, if desired, the crude S-unsaturated ketone can be purified by chromatography over Florisil with increasing proportions of acetone in Skellysolve B hexanes followed by recrystallization.

Following the procedure of Example 9, but substituting l 17: 20,20 21-bismethylenedioxy-6u-difluOrOmethyI-Zamethyl 11/3 hydroxy 5a-pregnan-3-one, (2) 17:20, 20:21 bismethylenedioxy 6oz difluoromethyl 16amethyl 11B hydroxy- 5cc pregnan-3-one and (3) 17 :20,20:21 bismethylenedioxy 6a difluoromethyl- 165 methyl 11,3-hydroxy-5a-pregnan-3-one as starting compounds, there are thus produced, respectively, (1) 17:20,20:21 bismethylenedioxy 6a difluoromethyl-Zotmethyl 11,8 hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (XI), (2) 17:20, 20:21 bisrnethylenedioxy 6a difiuoromethyl-16a-methyl 11,3 hydroxy 4 pregnen-S-one (XI) and (3) 17 :20, 20:21 bismethylenedioxy 6a difluoromethyl-16 3-methyl 11,8 hydroxy 4 pregnen-3-one (XI).

EXAMPLE 1O mg. 'of 17:20,20:21 bisrnethylenedioxy-6a-difluoromethyl 11B hydroxy-4-pregnene-3-one (XI) was heated on a steam bath in 20 ml. of 60% formic acid for a period of about 15 minutes whilea stream of nitrogen was continuously passed through the solution. After cooling, the solution was poured into a mixture of ice and aqueous sodium bicarbonate and the organic material extracted with methylene chloride. The extracts were washed with water, dried with sodium sulfate and the solvent removed by evaporation.

nitrogen. A solution of 200 mg. of potassium bicarbonate in 20 ml. of water, previously purged with nitrogen, was added to the methanol solution and the combined liquids stirred for about 48 hours at room temperature. Acetic acid was added until the pH droppedto 7.0 and the solvent removed'under vacuum. The residue was extracted with methylene chloride; the extract was dried with sodium sulfate and then evaporated to give a solid. Puri fication of the solid, e.g., by recrystallization, yielded 6a difluoromethyl 1118,17a,21 trihydroxy-4-pregene-3, r

20-dione (XII).

Following the procedure of Example 10, but substituting (1) 17:20,20:21 bismethylenedioxy-6a-difluoromethyl 2oz methyl-11B-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, (3) 17:20, 20:21 bismethylenedioxy 6oz difluoromethyl-16a-methyl 11,8 hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-o'ne and (3) 17:20,20:21- bismethylenedioxy 6oz difluorornethyl-16fi-methyl-1lflhydroxy-4-pergnen-3-one as starting compounds, there are' thus produced, respectively, in the form of light-colored crystalline solids (1) 6a-difluoromethyl-2a-rnethyl-l13, 17,21 trihydroxy 4 pregnene-3,20-dione (XII), (2) 6oz difiuoromethyl 16a methyl-11fi,l7u,21-trihydroxy- 4-pregnene-3,20-dione (XII) and (3) 6a-difiuoromethyl- 16,6 methyl-1118,17a,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione (XII).

EXAMPLE 11 6a-difluoromethyl-115,17a,2.l-trihydroxy-4-pregnene- 3,20-di0ne (XII) A medium consisting of 1% dextrose hydrate, 2%

.cornsteep liquor of 60% solids and tap water was adjusted to pH 4.9 with sodium hydroxide. The medium was steam sterilized at 1.5 pounds pressure for 30 minutes, cooled, and then inoculated with a 24-hour growth, from spores, of NRRL 'B-1332 (Streptomyces sp.). The medium was agitated, and sparged with sterile air at the rate The residue was dis I solved in 40 ml. of methanol previously purged with of one-tenth volume of air per volume of medium per minute. At the end of 24 hours of fermentation at room temperature, the pH was about 7.4. To'this culture there was added a solution of 6a-difluoromethy1-1 15,1701, 21 trihydroxy 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20 dione (1X) dissolved in a minimal amount of dimethylformamide. The solution was prepared by dissolving five parts of the steriod in 100 parts of the solvent and adding about cc. of the solution per liter of the medium. Fermentation was continued for a period of 48 hours whereupon the mycelium and beer were extracted thoroughly with methylene chloride. The extract was washed with sodium bicarbonate solution and then with water, dried and concentrated in vacuo to give fiwdifluoromethyld1fl,17u,21- trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione (XII).

Instead of NRRL B-1332 used in Example 11 to produce fermentative hydrogenation at the 1,2-position of the steroid nucleus, other microorganisms may be similarly effectively employed; included are'those chosen from the group consisting of: ATCC 6947 (Arthrobactertumescens); ATCC 3352 (S. olivaceous) and ATCC 3313.

Following the procedure of Example 11, but substituting (1) 6a-difluoromethyl 2 methyl 1l,B,17u,21-trihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene-3,20-dione, (2) 6a-difluoromethyl 16oz methyl 11B,17,21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene 3,20 dione and (3) 6a-difluoromethyl-16B- methyl l1,8,1701,2l-trihydroxyl,4-pregadiene-3,2O-dione as starting compounds, there are thus produced, respectively, l fia-difluoromethyl-h-methyl-l 15, 17a,21-tIihydroxy-4pregnene-3,20-dione (X11), (2) 6m-difluoromethyl 16a methyl-1lB,17u,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20- dione (XII) and (3) fiu-difluoromethyl-16fl-methyl-l1B, 171,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione (X11).

EXAIVIPLE 12 6oi-difluoromethyl-1 15,1 701,21-trihydr0xy-4-pregnene- 3,20-dione 21 -acetate (XII') Following the procedure of Example 7, but substituting 60: difluoromethyl-ll fi,1701,21-t1ihYdIOXY-4-Pffigl1fi1l6- 3,20-dione (XII) as starting compound, there is thus produced 60: difluoromethyl 11 3,l7a,21-trihydroxy-4- pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (XII').

Following the procedure of Example 7, but substituting 6u-difluoromethyl-llfl,1 7a,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnene- 3,20-dione (XII) as starting compound, other 2l-acylates corresponding'to those named in Example 7 are produced.

Following the procedure of Example 7, but substituting (1) 6a-difluoromethyl-2a-methyl 1lfl,17m,21 trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione, (2) 6a-diflUOIOII1Cthy1-16amethyl-11,8,l7z,2l-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione' and 3) 6m-difiuoromethyl-1Gfi-methyl-l l 8, 17a,2 lg-trihydroxy- 4-pregnene-3,20-dione as starting compounds, there are thus produced, respectively, the corresponding 21-acetates and other 21-acylates thereof as named in Example 7.

EXAMPLE 13 6-diflu0romethyl-11 3,1701,21-trihydr0xy-4,6-pregizadiene- 3,20-dione 2 1-acetate (XIH) 6e difiuoromethyl 11fi,l7u,2l trihydroxy 4 pregnene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate (Xll'),'recrystalized chloranil and tertiary amyl alcohol were heated to boiling under nitrogen and refluxed for about 6 hours. mixture was cooled, evaporated to dryness; the residue (with the exception of chloranil, which is insoluble) dissolved in ether and filtered. The ether filtrate was washed twice with cold 2% sodium hydroxide, cold water, saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. The residue crystallized readily from cold acetone to give 6-difiuoromethyl-ll 3, 17a,21-trihydroxy-4,6-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 21 acetate (XIII).

The esters thus obtained can be hydrolyzed with potas- The reaction sium carbonate in methanol or ethanol at room temperaone. The triol can be reesterified to form the 2l-acylate desired by reacting at room temperature in pyridine with the anhydride. or acyl halide of an organic carboxylic acid as disclosed in the paragraph follow-ing Example 7.

In the same manner as in Example 13, substitution of 60c 'difiuoromethyl 1l/3,17oc,21 trihydroxy 4 pregnene-3,20-dione as the starting compound is productive of 6 difluoromethyl 11 ,8,17 11,21 trihydroxy 4,6 pregnadiene-3,20-dione.

Similarly, substituting as the starting steroid, another 21-acylate of 6a-difluoromethyl-1l 8,17m,2l-trihydroxy-4- pregnene-3,20-dione for the Zl-acetate employed in the G-dehydrogenation reaction described in Example 13, wherein acyl radical is, e.g., that of an acid named in the paragraph following Example 7, there is thus produced the corresponding 2l-acylate of 6-difluoromethyl-ll;8,17a, 2 l-trihydroxy-4,6-pregnadiene-3 ,20-dione.

Following the procedure of Example 13, but substituting 60: difluoromethyl 20: methyl 1lj3,170z,2l trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate, 6a-difluoromethyl 16 methyl 1|l[3,17a,21 trihydroxy 4 pregnene- 3,20-dione 21-acetate and 6a-difluoromethyl-16fl-methylllfl,17u,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate as starting compounds, there are thus produced the corresponding 4,6-preg'nadiene 21-acetates (XIH). 1

Similarly, substituting other 2l-acylates instead of the 2l-acetates employed as starting compounds in the pre-" ceding paragraph, there are thus produced the corresponding 4,6-pregnadiene 21-acylates.

ExAMrLE 14 6-di fluoromethyl-I 1 3,1 701,21-trihydr0xy-1,4,6-pregnatriene-3,20-dione 21 -acetate (X) A medium consisting of 1% dextrose hydrate, 2% cornsteep liquor of 60% solids and tap water was adjusted to pH 4.9 with sodium hydroxide. The medium was steam sterilized at 15 pounds pressure for 30 minutes, cooled, and then inoculated with a 24-hour growth, from spores of Septomyxa afiinis, ATCC 6737. The medium was agitated, and sparged with sterile air at the rate of one-tenth volume of air per volume of medium per minute. At the end of 24 hours of fermentation at room temperature, the pH was about 7.4. To this culture there was added a solution of 6a-difluoromethyl11fl,l;7a,21-trihydroxy-4,6-pregnadiene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate (XIII) dissolved in a minimal amount of dimethylformamide. The solution was prepared by dissolving five parts of the steroid in parts of the solvent and adding about 10 cc. of the solution per liter of the medium. Fermentation was continued for a period of 48 hours whereupon the mycelium and beer were extracted thoroughly with methylene chloride. The extract was Washed with sodium bicarbonate solution and then with water, dried and concentrated in vacuo to give 6-difiuoromethyl-1l,B,17oz,21-trihydroxy-1,4,6-pregnatriene-3,20-dione.

'6 difluoromethyl ll,l7a,21 trihydroxy 1,4,6- pregnatriene-3,20-dione dissolved in pyridine and acetic anhydride was heated at 40 C. for about 4 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled, diluted with water and the precipitate that formed removed by filtration. The precipitate was washed With water and dried to give 6m-difluoromethyl ll'/3,17cc,2l trihydroxy 1,4,6 pregnatriene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate (X).

Carrying out the procedure of the method disclosed in Example 7 for the preparation of 2l-acylates in addition to the 21-acetate, but substituting 6-difluoromethyl-1lfi, 17:1,2l-trihydroxy-1,4,6-pregnatriene-3,ZO-dione as starting compound, there is thus produced the corresponding 31 165 methyl 11 5,17 2 l trihydroxy 4,6 pregnadiene- 3,20-dione as starting compounds, there are thus produced the corresponding 21-hydroxy-1,4,6-pregnatrienes. These 2l-hydroxy compounds can be converted to their 21-acetates by heating with pyridine and acetic anhydride at about 40 C. for a period of about 4 hours. The alcohols can be reesterified to form 21-acylates in addition to 21- acetates by reacting them at approximately 40 C. in pyridine with the desired anhydride of an organic carboxylic acid named in the paragraph following Example 7.

ExAMPLE 15 Ga-difluorome thyl-I 1 [3,1 7 04,21 -trihydrxy-1 ,4-pregnadiene-3,20-di0ne 21 -acetate (IX) Following the procedure of Example 14, but substituting the corresponding 4-pregnene compounds (XII) for 4,6-pregnadienes (XIII) as. starting steroids, there are thus produced the respective 1,4-pregnadienes, e.g., 6adifluoromethyl 11fl,l7oz,2l trihydroxy 1,4 pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21,-acetate and 6tx-difluoromethyl-Z-methyl- 11,3,17a,2l-trihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene 3,20-dione 2 l-acetate (DC) instead of 6-difiuoromethyl-1l,8,17a,21-trihydroxy-1,4,6-pregnatriene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate and 6-difluoromethyl 2 methyl 1l/3,17cz,2l trihydroxy 1,4,6

. pregnatriene-3,20-dione 21 -acetate (X).

EXAMPLE 16 6u-difluoromethyl-17a,21-dilzydr0xy 4-pregnene-3,l1,20- trione 21 -acetate (XV) To a solution of 6a-difluoromethyl-11fi,17u,21-trihyhydroxy-4-pregnene-3,ZO-dione. 21-acetate (XII' and XIV), and pyridine in tertiary butanol was'added N- EXAMPLE 17 v 6a-diflll0r0methyl-17a,21-dihydr0xy-1,4-pregnadiene- 3,11,20-tri0ne 21 -acetate (XV) Following the procedures of Example 16, but substituting the corresponding 1,4-pregnadienes (IX) for 4-pregnenes (XII) as starting steroids, there are thus produced the respective 1,4-pregnadienes, e.g., 6u-difluoromet-hyl- 17a,2l-dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene 3,11,20-trione 2l-acetate and 6a-difiuoromethyl-2-methyl Hall-dihydroxy- 1,4-pregnadiene-3,11,20-trione ZI-acetate (XV) instead of 6a-difluoromethyl-17a,2l-dihydroxy-4-pregnene 3,11,20- trione ZI-acetate and 6a-difluoromethyl-2a-methyl-17a,21- dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,11,20-trione 21-acetate (XV).-

ExAMPLE 18 6 -difluor0methyl-1 7 a,21 -dihydroxy-4,6 -pregnadiene- 3,11,20-tri0ne 21 -acetate (XV) Following the procedure of Example 16, but substituting the corresponding 4,6-pregnadienes (XIII) for 4-pregnenes (XII) as starting steroids, there are thus produced the respective 4,6-pregnadienes, e.g., 6-difluoromethyl- 170:,21 dihydroxy-4,6-pregnadiene-3,11,21-trion 21-acetate and 6-difluoromethyl-2u-methyl-170,21-dihydroxy- 4,6-pregn=adiene-3,l1,20- trione 2l-4acetate (XV) instead of 6a-difiuoromethyl 17a,21-dihydroxy 4-pregnene- 3,11,20-trione 21'a'cetate and Got-(IIIIUOI'OII'lBtllYl-Za- 32 methyl-17a;1-dihydroxy-4-pregnene 3,11,20-trione 21- acetate (XV).

EXAMPLE 19 6-diflu0r0methyl-17a,21-dihydr0xy-1,4,6-pregnatriene- 3,11,20-zri0ne 21 -acetate (XV) Following the procedure of Example 16, but substituting the corresponding 1,4,6-pregnatrienes (X) for 4-pregnenes (XII) as starting steroids, there are thus produced the respective 1,4,6-pregnatrienes, e.g., 6-difluoromethyl-17a,21- dihydroxy-1,4,6-pregnatriene-3,l1,20 trione 21-acetate and 6-difluoromethyl-2-methyl 17a,21-dihydroxy-1,4,6-'

pregnatriene-3,l1,20-trione 21-acetate (XV) instead of 6-difluor0methyl :,21 dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,11,20- trione 21-acetate and 6abdifluorornethyl-Za-methyl-170:,21- dihyd-roxy-4-pregnene-3,l1,20atrione ZI-acetat-e (XV).

EXAMPLE 20 6a-difluoromethyl-17m,21-dihydr0xy-4,9 (11 )-pregnadiene- 3,20-di0ne 21-acetate (XVI) To ,a solution of 1.0 g. of Ga-difiUOlOHlethYl-I1fi,17a,21- trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (XII' and XIV) in 30 ml. of pyridine was added 0.6 g. of N-bromoacetamide. After standing at room temperature for a period of 15 minutes, the reaction solution was cooled to 5 to 10 C. and sulfur dioxide gas was passed over the surface of the solution while shaking the flask, until the solution gave no color with acidified starch-iodide paper. During the addition of the sulfur dioxide, the reaction mixture became warm. The temperature was kept under- 30 C. by external cooling and by varying the rate of sulfur dioxide addition. Thereafter ice water was added to the reaction mixture :and the resulting precipitate col-' lected by filtration. acetone-Skellysolve B hexanes to give 6a-d-ifluoromethy1- 17a,21-di.hydroxy-4,9( 1 1 -pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2 l-acetate (XVI).

Following the procedure of Example 20, but substituting 6a-difluoromethyl-2a-methyl-l1B,17a,21-trihydroxy-4- pregnene'-3,2O dione 21-.acetate, 6a-difluoromethy-l-16amethyl-1 1, 3,17a,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,2O-dione 21- acetate and 6a-difluorornethyl-16,8-methy1-1-1fl,17a,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate as starting steroids, there are thus produced, respectively as :ligh-tcolored crystalline solids the corresponding fioz-diflllOI'Omethyl-Zozmethyl-17a,2l dihydroxy 4,9'(11)-pregnadiene-3,20- dione 21-acetate (XVI), 6a-difluoromethyl-16u-methyl- 17a,21-dihydroxy-4,9(1 1 -pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (XVI) and 6a-difiuoromethyl-16/3-rnethyl-17a,21-dihydroxy-3,20-dione 2l-aceta1te (XVI).

EXAMPLE 21 6m-diflu0r0methyl-1 7a,21-dihydr0xy-1,4,9 (11 -pregnatriene-3,20-di0ne 21 -acetate (XVI) Following the procedure of Example 20, but. substituting the corresponding 1,4-pregnadienes (IX) for 4-pregnenes (XII) as starting steroids, there are thus produced as light-colored crystalline solids the respective 1,4,9(11)- pregnatrienes, e.g., 6a-difluoromethyl-17a,21-dihydroxy- 1,4,9(l1) pregnatriene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate and 6a-difluorornethyl-Z-methyl-17u,21-dihydroxy 1,4,9(11)-pregnatriene 3,20-dione 2l-aceta te (XVI) instead of 6cz-difluoromethyl 17a,21 dihydroxy 4,9(11) pregnadiene- 3,20 dione 21 acetate and 60a difluoromethyl 2amethyl 1741,21 dihydroxy 4,9(11) pregnadiene-3,20- dione, 21-acetate (XVI).

EXAMPLE 22 6u-diflu0r0methyl-1 7a,21-dihydroxy-4,6,9(11 -pregnatriene-3,20-di0ne 21 -acetate (XVI) Following the procedure of Example 20, but substituting the corresponding 4,6-pregnadienes (XIII) for 4-pregnenes (XII) as starting steroids, there are thus produced the respective 4,6,9(11)-pregnatrienes, e.g., 6-difluoro- This material was recrystallized from.

methyl-17oz,21-dihydmoxy-4,6,9(11%pregna trienes, e.g., .6-

difiuoromethyl-lhJl-dihydroxy 4,6,9(11)-pregatriene- I 3,20-dione 21-acetate and 6-difluoromethyl-2m-methyl- 170:,21 dihydroXy-4,6,9(11)-pregnatriene-3,20-dione 21- acetate (XVI) instead of,6a-diflnoromethy1-17u,21-dihydroxy-4,9(11)-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate and 60:- difiuoromethyl 2u-methyl17a,21dihydroxy-4,9(l1)-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (XVI).

EXAMPLE 23 6-diflu0romethyl-17a,21-dihydr0xy-1,4,6,9(11 pregnatetraene-3,20-dine 21 -acetate (XVI) a Following the procedure of Example 20, but substituting the corresponding 1,4,6-pregnatrienes (X) for 4-pregnenes (XII) as starting steroids, there are thus produced the respective 1,4,6,9(11)-pregnatetraenes, e.g., 6-difluo-romethyl-17a,2l dihydroxy-1,4,6,9(1 1)-pregna1tet1raene-3,20- dione 21-acetate and 6-difluoromethy1-2-methyl-17a,21-dihydroxy-1,4,6,9( 1 1 -pregnatetraene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (XVI) instead of 6a-difluoromethy-l-17a,2l-dihydroxy- 4,9(11)-pregnad.iene-3,20-dione Zl-acetate' and 6a-difluoromethyl-2a-methyl-17a,21-dihydroxy 4,9( 11)-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (XVI).

Substituting for the 21-acetates of the starting steroids of Examples 20, 21, 22 and 23 other 21-acy1ates wherein the acyl radical is that of an acid named in the paragraph following Example 7, as the starting compound in the dehydration reaction described in Example 20, there are thus produced the corresponding 21-acylates instead of the 21-acetates of the 4,9(11)-pregnadienes, 1,4,9( 11)- pregnatrienes, 4,6,9(l1)pregnatrienes and l,4,6,9(11)- pregnatetraenes prepared in Examples 20, 21, 22 and 23.

EXAMPLE 24 6 a-di fl uoromethy l-I 1 5,1 711,21 -trihydroxy-9a-br0mo- 4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21 -acetate (XVII) To a solution of 6.0 g. of 6a-difiuoromethyl-17a,21- dihydroxy 4,9(11) pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate (XVI) in 100 m1. of methylene chloride and 200 ml; tertiary'butyl alcohol was added a solution of 14 m1. of 72% perchloric acid in 100 ml. of water followed by a solution of 2.5 g. of N-bromoacetamide in 60 ml. of tertiary butyl alcohol. After stirring the reaction mixture for 15 minutes, a solution of 3.0 g. of sodium sulfite in- 150 m1. of water Was added and the reaction mixture was concentrated to a small volume under reduced pressure at about 50 C. The concentrate was cooled in an ice bath and while stirring an equal Volume of water was added. After stirring for a period of 1 hour, the precipitated produce was isolated by filtration, and the cake washed with water and air-dried to give (Ba-difiuoromethyl 115,170,21 trihydroxy 9a bromo 4 pregnene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate (XVII).

Following the procedure of Example 24,'but substitut-' ing 6a difiuoromethyl 2a methyl 1711,21 dihydroxy- 4,9(11) pregnadiene 3,20-dione 21 acetate, 6a-difiuoromethyl 16a methyl 17a,21 dihydroxy 4,9 (11) pregnadiene 3, 20 dione 21 acetate and 6adifluoromethyl 165 methyl 17a,2l dihydroxy 4, 9(ll)-pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate as starting steroids, there are thus. produced, respectively, the corresponding 6a difiuoromethyl 2a methyl 1l/3,17a,2ltrihydroxy 9a bromo 4 pregnene 3,20 dione 21- 'acetate, 6a difiuoromethyl 16a methyl 11B,17a,21- trihydroxy 9a bromo 4 pregnene 3,20 dione 21 acetate and 6a difiuoromethyl 16 8 methyl- 11fl,l7a,21 trihydroxy 9a bromo 4 pregnene 3,20-dione 2l-acetate (XVII).

ExAMPLE 25 6a-diflu0r0methyl-1 113,1 70:,21-trihydr0xy-9a-bromo- 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21 acetate (XVII) Following the procedure of Example 24, but-substitut ing the corresponding 1,4,9(11)-pregnatrienes for 4,9 (11)-pregnadienes as starting compounds, there are thus 34 produced the respective 9a-bromo-1,4-pregnadienes, e.g., 6a difiuoromethyl 11/3,17a,21 trihydroxy 9a bromo 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate and 6a difluoromethyl 2 methyl 11,8,17a,21 trihydroxy 9abromo 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate (XVII) instead of 6a difiuoromethyl 1lB,17a,21 tri hydroxy 9a bromo 4 pregnene 3,20 dione 21- acetate and 6a difiuoromethyl-2a methyl l1f3,17a,21- trihydroxy 9a bromo 4 pregnene 3,20 dione 21- acetate (XVII).

EXAMPLE 26 6a-diflu0ro-1 16,1 711,21-trihydr0xy-9oc-bromo-4,6- pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21 -acetate (XVII) Following the procedure of Example 24, but substituting the corresponding 4,6,9(l1)-pregnatrienes for 4,9 (1l)-pregnadienes as starting compounds, there arethus produced the respective 9a-bromo-4,6-pregnadienes, e.g., 6 difiuoromethyl 11/3,17a,21-trihydroxy 9a bromo- 4,6 pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate and 6 difluoromethyl 2a methyl l1fi,17a,2l trihydroxy 9abromo 4,6-pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate (XVII) instead of 6a difiuoromethyl 11fi,17a,21 trihydroxy- 9a bromo 4 pregnene [3,20 dione 21 acetate and 6a difiuoromethyl 2a methyl 11B,17a,21 trihydroxy 9a bromo 4 pregnene 3,20 dione 21- acetate (XVII).

EXAMPLE 27 6a-di fluoromethyl-1 1 13,27 (1,21 -trihydr0xy-9a-br0m0-- 1,4,6-pregnatriene-3,20-di0ne 21-acetate (XVII) Following the procedure of Example 24, but substitut the corresponding 1,4,6,9(11)-pregnatetraenes for 4,9-

(11)-pregnadienes as starting compounds, there are thus produced the respective 9a-brorno-1,4,6-pregnatrienes, e.g., 6 -difluoromethyl- 11B,17a,21 trihydroxy 9abromo 1,4,6 pregnatriene' 3,20 dione 21 acetate and 6 difiuoromethyl 2 methyl 11;8,17a,2l trihydroxy-9a-bromo-1,4,6pregnatriene 3,20-dione 21-acetate (XVII) instead of 6a difiuoromethyl 11B, 17a,2l-

trihydroxy 9a bromo 4 pregnene 3,20 dione 21- acetate and 6a-difluororn ethyl 2a methyl 11,8,17a,21- trihydroxy 9a bromo 4 pregnene 21 acetate (XVII).

Substituting for the 21-acetates of'the starting steroids of Examples 24, 25, 26" and 27 other 2l-acylates wherein the acyl radical is that of an acid named in the-paragraph following Example 7, as the starting compound is the bromination reaction described in Example 24, there are thus produced the corresponding 21-acylates instead of the 2l-acetates of the 9a-bromo-4-pregnenes, 9a-bromo- 1,4 pregnadienes, 9a bromo 4,6 pregnadienes and 9a bromo 1,4,6 pregnatrien es prepared in Examples 24, 25, 26 and 27.

Substituting N-chlorosuccinimide for the N-bromoacetamide in the reactions described in Examples 24, 25, 26 and 27 is productive of the corresponding 9a-ch1oro compounds e.g., 6a difiuoromethyl l1fi,17a,2l trihydroxy 9a chloro 4 pregnene 3,20 dione 21- acetate, 6a difiuoromethyl 11B, 17a,21 trihydroxy- 9a chloro 1,4 pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate, 6 difiuoromethyl 115,17a,21 trihydroxy 9a chloro- 4,6 pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate, 6 difiuoromethyl 11,8,17a,21 trihydroxy 9a chloro 1,4,6- pregnatriene 3,20 dione 21 acetate and the 2a methyl,- l6a-methyl and lfifl-methyl derivatives of these compounds.

EXAMPLE 28 da-difluoromethyl-QBJ 1 B-epoxy-l 7 a,21 -dihydr0xy- 4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21 -acetate (XVIII) To a solution of 7.0 g. of 6a-difiuoromethyl-11;3,17a,- 21 trihydroxy 9a bromo 4 pregnene 3,20 dione 21-acetate in 200 ml. of acetone was added 7.0 g. of potassium acetate and the resulting suspension was heated under reflux for a period of about 17 hours. The mixture column was eluted with hexanes (Skellysolve B) containing increasing proportions of acetone. There was thus eluted 6a difiuoromethyl 95,115 epoxy 17a,21 didihydroxy 4 pregnene 3,20 dione 21 acetate (XVIII) which was freed of solvent by evaporation of the eluates.

Following the procedure of Example 28, but substituting 6a difiuoromethyl 2a methyl 11;3,17a,21 trihydroxy 9a bromo 4 pregnene 3,20 dione 21- acetate, 6a difiuoromethyl 16a methyl 1I,B,17a,21 trihydroxy 9a bromo 4 pregnene 3,20 dione 21- acetate and 6a difiuoromethyl 16 3 methyl 11fi,17a,- 21 trihydroxy 9a bromo 4 pregnene 3,20 dione 2l-acetate as starting compounds, there are thus produced, respectively, the corresponding 6a-difluoromethyl- 2a methyl 913,113 epoxy 17a,21 dihydroxy 4- pregnene 3,20 dione 21 acetate, 6a difiuoromethyl- 6a methyl 95,116 epoxy 17a,21 dihydroxy 4- pregnene 3,20 dione 21 acetate and 6a difiuoromethyl 16B methyl 95,11 6 epoxy 17a,21 dihydroxy 4 pregnene 3,20 dione 21 acetate (XVIII).

EXAMPLE 29 6 u-difluomm ethyl-9BJ 1;8-epoxy-1 7a,21-dihydroxy-1 ,4 pregnadiene-3,1 O-dione 21 acetate (X VIII) Following the procedure of Example 28, but substituting the corresponding 9a-brorno-1,4-pregnadienes for 9a-bromo-4-pregnenes as starting compounds, there are thus produced the respective 9B,11fi-epoxy-1,4-pregnadienes, e.g., 6a-difluoromethyl-9B-l1/3-epoxy-17a,21- dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate and 6a difiuoromethyl 2 methyl 95,1113 epoxy 17:1,21- dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (XVIII) instead of 6ix-difluoromethy1-9fl,11/8-epoxy-17a,21-dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acetate and 6u-difluoromethyl 20c methyl 9,8,116 epoxy 1704,21 dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (XVIII).

EXAMPLE 30 Following the procedure of Example 28, but substituting the corresponding 9a-bromo-4,6-pregnadienes for 9abromo-4-pregnenes as starting compounds, there are thus produced the respective 95,11fi-epoxy-4,6pregnadienes, e.g., 6-difiuoromethyl-9B,l1/3-epoxy-17a,21-dihydroxy4,6- pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate and 6-difluoromethyl- 2m-methyl-9fi,1 1 fl-epoxy 4,6-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione 21- acetate (XVIII) instead of 6a-difiuoromethyl-9fl,11;8- epoxy-17a,21-dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,ZO-dione 21'-acetate and 6a-difluoromethyl-2a-methyl-9fi,11fl-epoxy-17a,21-dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate (XVIII);

ExAMPLE 31 6-diflu0r0methyl-9/3J lfl-epoxy-l 711,21 -dihydroxy-I,4,6- pregnatriene-3,ZO-dione 21 -acetate (XVIII) at plus 5 C. for about 18 hours.

of Examples 28, 29, 30 and 31 other 21-acylates wherein the acyl radical is that of an acid named in the paragraph following Example 7, as the starting compounds in the epoxidation reaction described in Example 28, there are thus produced the corresponding 21-acylates instead of the 21-acetates' of the 913,11 fiepoxy-4-pregpregnadienes and 9,8,1lfi-epoxy-1,4,6-pregnatrienes ,prepared in Examples 28, 29, 30 and 31.

EXAMPLE 32 6oc-difluoromethyl-1 1 13,1 70:,21-trihydroxy-9a-fluoro- 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetale (XIX) To approximately 1.3 g. of hydrogen fluoride contained in a polyethylene bottle and maintainedat minus 60 C. was added 2.3 ml. of tetrahydrofuran and thena solu tion of 500 mg. of 6a-difluoromethyl-9fi,11B'epoxy-17a,21- dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (XVIH) in 2 ml. of methylene chloride. The steroid solution was rinsed in with an additional 1 ml, of methylene chloride. The light-red colored solution was then kept at approximately minus 30 C. for about 1 hour and At the end of this period it was mixed cautiously with an excess of cold sodium bicarbonate solution and the organic material extracted'with the aid of additional methylene chloride. The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated to a small volume. The solution was chromatographed over Florisil anhydrous magnesium silicate to isolate the 900- fluoro product of XIX. The column was developed with hexanes (Skellysolve B) containing increasing proportions of acetone. There was thus eluted GOL-diflllOl'O- methyl 11}3,l7a,21 -'trihydroxy 9a fiuoro 1,4 pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (XIX) which was freed of solvent by evaporation of the eluate fractions and purified by recrystallization from acetone:Ske1lysolve B.

Following the procedure of Example 32, but substituting 6a-difluoromethyl-2-methyl-9/3,1lB-epoxy-17a,21-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate, 6a-difluoromethyl 16a methyl 95,115 epoxy 1711,21 dihydroxy-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate and 6adifluoromethyl 16B methyl 913,115 epoxy 17a,21- dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate as starting compounds, there are thus produced, respectively, as light-colored crystalling solids the corresponding 60:- difluoromethyl 2 methyl 11/3,17a,21 trihydroxy 911-. fiuoro-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate, Gd-difillOI'O- methyl 16a methyl 1lB,l7a,21 trihydroxy cfluoro-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate and 6a-di- 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (XIX).

EXAMPLE 33 cinate (XIX) and sodium salt (XIX) (a) To 6a-difluoromethyl-2a-methyl-11/8,17a,21-trihydroxy-9a-fluoro-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21,-acetate (obtained in the manner described in Example 32) dissolved in methanol and a small amount of water, previously purged of air and oxygen by passing nitrogen through it, was added solid potassium carbonate. The mixture was allowed to stand at room temperature for a period of about 6 hours in a nitrogen atmosphere, then'neutralized with 5% aqueous hydrochloric acid solution, diluted with water and refrigerated. The mixture was filtered and the solids recrystallized from acetonezSkellysolve B hexanes to yield pure 6difiuoromethyl-2cz-methyl- 11,8,17a,21-trihydroxy-9a-fluoro-4-pregnene-3,20-dione.

(b) A solution was prepared containing excess succinic anhydride and 6a-difluoromethyl-2u-methyl-9afluoro 11fi,17a,2l trihydroxy 4 pregnene 3,20- dione in pyridine. The solution was allowed to stand for about 20 hours, diluted with water and the mixture the filter was recrystallized twice from methanol to yield 6a difluoromethyl 2a methyl 9oz fluoro 11B,17cz,21- trihydroxy 4 pregnene 3,20 dione 21- hemisuccinate (XIX).

(c) 0.1 Normal sodium hydroxide solution was slowly added to a stirred solution of 6a-difluoromethyl-2oz-methyl- 1lfi,17a,2l trihydroxy 9a fluoro 4 pregnene 3,20- dione 21-hemisuccinate dissolved in acetone, until the pH rose to about 7.4.' During the addition of sodium hydroxide solution a small amount of water as also added. The solution was concentrated at room temperature under vacuum to remove the acetone. The aqueous solution was filtered, freeze-dried and recrystallized to give pure 6u-difiuoromethyl-2a-methyl-l1B,17a,2l-trihydroxy- 9a-fluoro-4-pregnene-3,20-dione ZI-hemisuccinate, sodium salt (XDi).

EXAMPLE 34 Following the procedure of Example 32, but substituting the corresponding 95,11B-epoxy-4-pregnenes for 93, llfi-epoxy-lA-pregnadienes as starting compounds, there are thus produced as crystalline solids the respective 9afluoro-4-pregnenes, e.g., 6a-difiuoromethyl-1113,175,21- trihydroxy-9a-fluoro-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate and 6a difluoromethyl 2oz methyl 11p,17u,21 trihydroxy-9a-fluoro-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (XIX) instead of 6u-difluoromethyl-llB,l7a,21-trihydroxy-9afluoro-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate and 6a-difluoromethyl 2 methyl 1l5,l7u,2l trihydroxy 9afiuoro-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate ()HX).

EXAMPLE 35 EXAMPLE 36 6 -di fluoromethy l-l 1 5,1 7 a,21 -trihydroxy-9d-fluoro- I ,4,6-pregn atrien e-3,20-dine 21 -acetate (XIX) Following the procedure of Example 32, but substituting the corresponding 9,8, llp-epoxy-1,4,6-pregnatrienes for 9,3,1lB-epoxy-l,4-pregnadienes as starting compounds, there are thus produced the respective 9a-fluoro- 1,4,6-pregnatrienes, e.g., 6-difiuoromethyl-llfl,l7a,2l-trihydroxy-9a-fiuoro-1,4,6-pregnatriene-3,ZO-dione 21-acetate and 6 & difluoromethyl 2 methyl 11fi,17a,21-trihydroxy-9a-fluoro-l,4,6-pregnatriene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate (XIX) instead of 6a-difluoromethyl-11,6,l7a,21-trihydroxy- 9a-fiuoro-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate and 6a4difluoromethyl-2u-methyl-l1fi,17a,21-trihydroxy- 9a-fluoro-l,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (XIX).

Substituting for the 2l-acetates of the starting steroids of Examples 32, 34, 35 and 36 other 21-acy1ates wherein the acyl radical is that of an acid named in the paragraph following Example 7, as the starting compounds in the 9a-fluorination reaction described in Example 32, there are thus produced the corresponding 2l-acylates instead of the 21-acetates of the 9u-fluoro-4-pregnenes, 9a-fluoro-1,4-pregnadienes, 9a-fiuoro-4,6-pregnadienes and 90afluoro-l,4,6-pregnatrienes prepared in Examples 32, 34, 35 and 36.

38 EXAMPLE 37 Ea-difluoromethyl-I711,21-dihydroxy-9a-fluoro-4- pregnene-3,11,20-trione 21 -acetate (XX) was poured into Water and refrigerated for about 20 hours at approximately 5 f C. The steroid which'sepa rated from the aqueous mixture was collected on filter paper and dried to give 6a-difluoromethy1-17u,2l-dihydroxy 9oz fluoro 4 pregnene 3,11,20 trione 2lacetate (XX).

Following the procedure of Example 37, but substituting 6a-difluoromethyl-2u-methyl-llB,17a,21-trihydroxy- 9a-fiuoro-4-pregnene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate, 6rx-difluoromethyl 16oz methyl 1I}3,I7u,21 trihydroxy 9afluoro-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acetate and Ga-CIIflIIOIO- methyl methyl l113,170:,2l-trihydroxy-9a-fluoro- 4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acetate as starting compounds, there are thus produced, respectively, the corresponding 6a difluoromethyl 2a methyl 1701,21 dihydroxy- 9u-fluoro-4-pregnene-3,l1,20-trione 21-acetate, Gm-difluoromethyl 16a methyl :,21 dihydroxy 9a flu- 'oro-4-pregnene-3,11,20-tri0ne 2l-acetate and Gu-diflnoromethyl 16B methyl 17a,2l dihydroxy 9oz fluoro- 4-pregnene-3,11,20-trione 2l-acetate (XX).

EXAMPLE 38 6 a-difluoromethyl-I 70:,21-dihydroxy-9a-difluoro-1,4- pregnadiene-3,11,20-tri0ne 21 -acetate (XX) Following the procedure of Example 37, but substituting the corresponding 1,4-pregnadienes for 4-pregnenes as starting compounds, there are thus produced the respective l,4-pregnadiene-3,11,20-triones, e.g., 6a-diflu0romethyl 17vt,21 dihydroxy 9a fluoro 1,4 pregnadiene-3,11,20-trione ZI-acetate and 6a-difiuoromethyl-2- methyl 17a,21 dihydroxy 9oz fluoro 1,4 pregnadiene-3,l1,20-trione ZI-acetate (XX) instead of 6a-difluoromethyl 170;,21 dihydro-xy 90: fluoro 4 pregnene-3,11,20-trione 21-acetate and 6a-difluoromethyl-2amethyl 17:1,21 dihydroxy 9oz fluoro 4 pregnene- 3,11,20-trione 21-acetate (XX).

EXAMPLE 39 6 a-difluoromethyl-I 711,21 -dihydr0xy-9a-flu 0r0-4,6- pregnadiene-3,11,20-trione 21 -acetate (XX) ExAMrLrs 40 fi-difluoromthyl-l 705,21-dihydr0xy-9u-flu0r0-1,4,6- pregnatriene-il1,20-tri0ne 21 -acetate (XX) Following the procedure of Example 37, but substitut-,

ing the corresponding-1,4,6-pregnatrienes for 4-pregnenes as starting compounds, there are thus produced the re-' spective 1,4,6-pregnatriene-3,11,20-triones, e.g., 6-difluoromethyl 170:,21 dihydroxy 9a fluoro 1,4,6 pregnatriene-3,l 1,20-trione 2l-acetate and G-difluoromethyl- 2 methyl 1711,21 dihydroxy 90: fluoro 1,4,6 pregnatriene-3,ll,20trione 21-acetate (XX) instead of fitl-difluoromethyl 17a,21 dihydroxy 90c fluoro 4 preg- Three grams of 6a-difluoromethyl-11B,17u,21-trihydroxy-9a-fluoro-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 2l-acetate (XIX) was dissolved in 300 ml. of methanol, previously purged of air-oxygen by passing nitrogen through it for 10 m nutes and thereto was added 25 ml. of 5% aqueous solution of potassium bicarbonate, similarly purged of oxygen. The mixture was allowed to stand at room temperature for a period of about 5 hours in a nitrogen atmosphere, thereupon neutralized with acetic acid in water. The mixture was concentrated to approximately one-third volume at reduced pressure on a 60 C. water bath. There- -upon water was added and the mixture chilled. The crystalline product was collected on a filter, washed with water and dried to give 6a-difiuoromethyl-l1 8,'17a,21-trihydroxy-9u-fluoro-4-pregnene-3,20-dione (XXI).

Following the procedure of Example 41, but substituting 6a difluoromethyl 2a methyl 11}3,17a,21 trihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione ZI-acetate, GLZ'dlflHOIO- methyl 16cc methyl 11,3,17a,21 trihydroxy 9afiuoro-4-pregnene-3,ZO-dione Zl-acetate and 6a-difluoromethyl 16/3 methyl llfi,l7a,21 trihydroxy 9afiuoro-4-pregnene-3,20-dione 21-acetate (XIX) as starting compounds, there are thus produced, respectively, as light-colored crystalline solids 6a-difluoromethyl-2-methyl- 11B,17oc,21 trihydroxy 9a fluoro 4 pregnene 3,20- dione, 6a difluoromethyl 16a methyl 11B,17a,21- trihydroxy 9oz fluoro 4 pregnene 3,20 dione and 60a difluoromethyl 1613 methyl 11/3,l7a,21 trihydroxy-9a-fluoro-4-pregnene-3,20-dione (XXI).

EXAMPLE 42 6a-difluoromethyl-9a-flu0r0-1 15,1 711,21 -trihydr0x 1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione (XXI) EXAMPLE 43 6-difluoromethyl-1 1 19,1 711,21 -trihydroxy-9afluoro-4,6-pregnadierte-3,20-di0ne (XXI) Following the procedure of Example 41, but substituting the corresponding 4,6-pregnadienes for 4-pregnenes as starting compounds, there are thus produced the respective 4,6-pregnadiene-3,20-cliches, e.-g., 6-difluoromethyll1fi,17a,21 trihydroxy 9a fluoro 4,6 pregnadiene- 3,20-dione and 6-difluoromethyl-2-methyl-11;8,17a,21-trihydroxy-9ix-fiuoro-4,6-pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione (XXI) instead of Goa difluoromethyl l1fii,17a,2l trihydroxy 9a- ,fluoro-4-pregnene-3,20-dione and 6ot-diflllOl'OIIl6thYl-2ocmethyl 11B,l7a,21 trihydroxy 9a fluoro 4 pregnene-3,20-dione (XXI).

EXAMPLE 44 Following the procedure of Example 41, but substituting the corresponding 1,4,6-pregnatrienes for 4-pregnenes as starting compounds, there are thus produced the respective 1,4,6-pregnatn'ene-3,20-di0nes, e.-g., 6-difluoromethyl- 11 13,17a,21 trihydroxy 9oz fluoro 1,4,6 pregnatriene- 3,20-dione and 6-difluoromethyl-2-methyl-l1fi,17a,2l-trihydroxy-9a-fluoro 1,4,6-pregnatriene 3,20 dione (XXI) instead of 6a-difiuoromethyl-11B,17a,21-trihydroxy-9afluoro-4-pregnene-3,QO-dione and 6rx-difluoromethyl-2amethyl 11B,17a,21 trihydroxy 9oz fluoro 4 pregnene-3,20-dione (XXI).

Substituting for the ZI-acetate's of the starting steroids of Examples 41, 42, 43 and 44 other 21-acylates wherein the acyl radical is that of an acid named in the paragraph following Example 7, as the starting compounds in the hydrolysis described in Example 41, there are thus produced the 21-hydroxy compounds prepared in Examples 41, 42, 43 and 44.

The corresponding 9a-Chl01'0 compounds are similarly prepared by hydrolysis of their 2l-acetates, e.g., 6a-difluoromethyl '11;3,17a,21 trihydroxy' 9a chloro 4- pregnene 3,20 dione 21 acetate, 60: difluoromethyl- 11 ,B,17a,21 trihydroxy c chloro 1,4 pregnadiene- 3,20 dione 21 acetate, 60: difluoromethyl 11fi,l7a,21- trihydroxy 9 choloro 4,6 pregnadiene 3,20 dione 21 acetate and 6 difluoromethyl 1lB,17a,21 trihydroxy 9a chloro 1,4,6 pregnatriene 3,20 dione 21- acetate are converted to their corresponding 21-hydroxy compounds.

Following the procedures of Examples 41, 42, 43 and 44, the corresponding ll-keto compounds represented by Formula XX are similarly hydrolyzed to their respective 21-hyd'roxy compounds.

EXAMPLE 45 6oz-diflu0romethyl-1 15,1 7 0;,21 -trihyd r0xy-4-pregnene- 3,20-dione 21 -methanesulfonate (XXII) 60c difluoromethyl 11;9,l7a,21 trihydroxy 4 pregnene-3,20-dione (XII) (prepared as in Example 10) was dissolved in pyridine. This solution was cooled to 0 C. and treated with methanesulfonyl. chloride. Thereafter the solution was allowed to stand at 0 to 5 C. for a period of about 2 hours, after which it was diluted with water and extracted with several portions of methylene chloride. The extracts were combined, washed with cold dilute hydrochloric acid until the aqueous layer had a pH of two to three, then washed again with cold sodium bicarbonate solution, water and finally dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the methylene chloride extract at reduced pressure left a residue of 6u-difiuoromethyl-llfi; 17a,21 trihydroxy 4 pregnene 3,20 dione 21- methanesulfonate (XXII).

Following the procedure of Example 45, but substituting 60a difluoromethyl 2a methyl 1l;3,l7a,21 trihydroxy 4 pregnene 3,20 dione, 6a difluoromethyl- 16a methyl 11/3,17a,21 trihydroxy 4 pregnene- 3,20 dione and 6a difluoromethyl 16B methyl- 11fl,17a,21 trihydroxy 4 pregnene 3,20 dione as starting compounds, there are thus produced, respectively, the corresponding 60: difluoromethyl 20cmethyl 11B,17oz,21 trihydroxy 4 pregnene 3,20- dione ZI-methanesulfonate, 6a-difluoromethyl-16wmethyl- 11/3,17a,21 trihydroxy 4 pregnene 3,20 dione 21-. methanesulfonate and 60a difluoromethyl 16 8 methyl 11fl,17a,21 trihydroxy 4 pregnene 3,20 dione 21- methanesulfonate.

The corresponding 9a-fluoro and 9a-chloro 21-methanesulfonates are similarly prepared by substituting 6oz di- 

1. 6A-DIFLUOROMETHYL COMPOUNDS OF THE FORMULA: 